I sold him what stock I had, before--before I got to runnin' my brand on other folks' stock, an' he hinted he wasn't particular whose cattle I got, long as he could get 'em under the market price." "Does Singleton come here ?" "Sometimes--mostly nights." Lawler's quick conclusion was that Ruth must have seen Singleton at the cabin, must have noted that the visits seemed surreptitious.

Perhaps she had watched, convincing herself of her father's guilt.

Lawler had wondered how she had gained the knowledge she seemed to have, and Singleton's visits must be the explanation.
Hamlin had bowed his head again after a swift glance at Lawler.

He stiffened when he felt Lawler at his side again, for there had come into the atmosphere of the cabin a premonitory chill which warned him that Lawler was on the verge of action.
But he was not prepared for what happened.
Lawler's sinewy hands fell on his shoulders.

The fingers bit deeply into the flesh, drawing a groan of pain from Hamlin.