When he had left Owen, the latter had told Sanderson that it was his intention to spend the time until the return of his friend in reading.
Owen, however, was not in the room.

Sanderson descended the stairs, walked to the archway that led into the saloon, and looked inside.

In a rear corner of the barroom he saw Owen, seated at a table with several other men.

Owen's face was flushed; he was talking loudly and extravagantly.
Sanderson remembered what Owen had told him concerning his appetite for strong liquor, he remembered, too, that Owen was in possession of a secret which, if divulged, would deliver Mary Bransford into the hands of her enemies.
Sanderson's blood rioted with rage and disgust.

He crossed the barroom and stood behind Owen.