Antrim's manner exuded the insolent tolerance of the master, who has the confidence that comes from thoughts of an overwhelming advantage.
He knew Lawler; knew him as perhaps no other man in the section knew him.

For he had seen Lawler using his gun.

It had been some years before, when Lawler had been proving himself--proving that he had a right to the respect and consideration of his fellow-men; proving that no man could trifle with him.
Antrim had been a witness to the shooting.

He had marked Lawler's coolness, the evenness of his temper; and had noted the deadly swiftness and precision of his movements when he had drawn his pistol.

Lawler had not been the aggressor--a dozen other men had testified to that.
Antrim had not seen Lawler since, until now.