He nodded shortly and took his place at the end of the table.

A certain reserve came into the atmosphere of the room.

No further reference was made to the subject that had aroused laughter, but several of the men snickered into their plates over the recollection of Leviatt's connection with the incident.
As the meal continued Leviatt's gaze wandered over the table, resting finally upon Ferguson.

The range boss's face darkened.
Ferguson had seen Leviatt enter; several times during the course of the meal he felt Leviatt looking at him.

Once, toward the end, his glance met the range boss's fairly.