She found out that the rider Van had knocked Joel down in Brackton's store and had kicked a gun out of his hand.

Van laughed off the rumor and Brackton gave her no satisfaction.

Moreover, she heard no other rumors.

The channels of gossip had suddenly closed to her.

Bostil, when questioned by Lucy, swore in a way that amazed her, and all he told her was to leave Creech alone.