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Updated: June 16, 2025
It was clear that Hamlin was impressed with the repressed force that he could see in Lawler; with the slumbering energy that Lawler's lithe, sinewy body suggested; with the man's complete lack of fear and with the cold confidence that swam in his steady eyes. Hamlin did not know at this minute whether or not he had meant to shoot Lawler.
He smiled at her, but there was a stiffness about his lips, and a cold, whimsical light in his eyes, that told her much. She drew a deep breath, and smiled faintly. "You have disagreed with Gary Warden," she said. "He will not keep Lefingwell's agreement." "Said he never heard of any agreement," said Lawler. "I rode in to tell the boys to hold the herd here until I got back from the capital.
"Governor," said the secretary; "your train is ready." The secretary stood within three yards of Lawler, and before he could turn to go out, Lawler had reached him. He seized both the man's hands, gripped them tightly, and said, hoarsely: "Thank you, Williams."
And the second time he saw Shorty's eyes they were gleaming pools of passion, cold, repressed. "Easy, boys!" Lawler called to the men. "Don't let them suspect you know they've been trailing us. They've got us two to one, almost if they mean trouble we'll have to work easy!" He saw the men relax; and several of them resumed their former positions at the fire.
"I've known for a long time that you were here. But I couldn't let you know. Mother and Ruth and Shorty," he repeated; and then, in a lower voice, that trailed off into a murmur as he closed his eyes and appeared to be falling asleep: "Good old Shorty!" Ruth and Mrs. Lawler were clasped in each other's arms, joy unutterable in their eyes. It was some time before they turned, to look at Shorty.
"Whatever action you take ought to be immediate, Governor," said Lawler. "The round-up is over and cattle must move. That is why I am here to ask you what can be done." "I have taken the matter up with the attorney-general, Lawler. The law is vague and indefinite. We can't proceed under it. However, we are going to pass new laws at the next session of the legislature."
Guilt and fear were the emotions that had driven Hamlin to this rather hysterical threat. Lawler resisted an impulse to laugh, though he felt a pulse of grim humor shoot through him. To his knowledge excepting Hamlin's predilection to rustle cattle the man was harmless.
Far over in the west a cold sun, hanging its rim on a mountain peak, bathed the world with a shimmering, glittering, blinding light. Lawler went outside and shielding his eyes with his hands, peered out over the gleaming waste. He noted that the snow had drifted much, but that there were ridges where no snow had settled, as well as vast sections of plain where the wind had swept the snow clear.
"I gave Antrim the first shot, Warden," he said; "I gave him his chance. I didn't murder him, and I won't murder you. Take that gun and follow me to the street. There's people there. They'll see that it's a square deal. You're a sneaking polecat, Warden; but you I'm going to give you " Lawler paused; he sagged. He tried to straighten, failed.
Lawler's pity for the man was stronger than the resentment he felt. Hamlin was Ruth's father, though looking at him as he sat dejectedly in the chair, Lawler found it hard to discern the relationship. "How long has Singleton been buying cattle from you?" "About a year.
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