He was a gross sensualist, unprincipled and ruthless, and Sanderson's hatred of him was beginning to overshadow every other consideration.
Sanderson went to sleep with his bitter thoughts, which were tempered with a memory of the gentle girl at whom the evil agencies of his enemies were directed.

They were eager to get possession of Mary Bransford's property, but their real fight would be, and was, against him.
But it was Mary Bransford that he was fighting for, and if he could get the herd of cattle to Las Vegas and dispose of them, he would be provided with money enough to defeat his enemies.

But money he must have.
At breakfast the next morning Carter selected the outfit for the drive.
He named half a dozen men, who were variously known as Buck, Andy, Bud, Soapy, Sogun, and the Kid.

These men were experienced trail-herd men, and Carter had confidence in them.
Their faces, as they prepared for the trip, revealed their joy and pride over their selection, while the others, disappointment in their eyes, plainly envied their fellow-companions.
But Sanderson lightened their disappointment by entrusting them with a new responsibility.
"You fellows go back to the Double A an' hang around," he told them.
"I don't care whether you do a lick of work or not.

Stick close to the house an' keep an eye on Mary Bransford.