They were planning.

I did not attempt to get at the meaning of the few words and phrases I distinguished, but held them in mind so to piece all together afterward.

Before the plotters finished conferring I had an involuntary flashed knowledge of much and my whirling, excited mind made reception difficult.
When these rustlers finished whispering I was in a cold sweat.

Steele was to be killed as soon as possible by Blome, or by the gang going to Steele's house at night.

Morton had been seen with the Ranger.