He saw the image of a great terror in the woman's face.

The night suddenly became heavy with the hint of unspeakable things, and he grew fearful, suspecting now that Gale had told him but a part of his story, that all the time he knew Stark's identity, and that his quarry was at hand, ready for the kill; or, if not, he had learned enough while standing behind that partition.

Where was he now?
Where was Necia?
What part did she play in this?
Stark's parting words struck Burrell again like a blow.

This life-long feud was drawing swiftly to some tragic culmination, and somewhere out in the darkness those two strong, hate-filled men were settling their scores.
All at once a fear for the trader's life came upon the young man, and he realized that a great bond held them together.

He could not think clearly, because of the dread thing that gripped him at thought of Necia.