He looked somber.

At her greeting he seemed startled.
"What ?" he said.
"I just said, 'Hello, Dad,'" she replied, demurely.

Yet she thoughtfully studied her father's dark face.
"Hello yourself....

Did you know Van got throwed an' hurt ?" "Yes." Bostil swore under his breath.

"There ain't any riders on the range thet can be trusted," he said, disgustedly.