I reckon he's gone." "I walloped him, Singleton." Lawler's voice was gentle.

In it was still a trace of that quality that Ruth had sensed, softened now slightly by the knowledge that Singleton's rage had slightly cooled.
"There isn't a heap to be said, I reckon," Lawler resumed as Singleton stood rigid again.

"Your boy was trying to 'wallop' his teacher.

I happened to look in, and I had to take a hand in it, just to keep things even.

He had it coming to him, Singleton." Lawler's manner was conciliatory, even mildly placative.