His eyes held a straightforward gleam that had not been in them for a long time; he held his head erect, his step was springy and full of reliance.

He seemed rejuvenated, imbued with a new spirit.

Several times Lawler saw Ruth's eyes following him with pleasure; though she blushed when she caught Lawler watching her.
When the mild winds of spring began to sweep across the wide levels, and the sun began to shed its welcome warmth over the land, Lawler rode again to the Hamlin cabin.

This time there was an anxious light in Hamlin's eyes; and Ruth was pale and worried.
"There's been strange doin's around here, lately, Lawler," Hamlin said when Lawler questioned him.

"If you hadn't rode over today, I was intendin' to sneak over to the Circle L an' tell you about it.
"The other night I was ridin' north--near Bolton's Shallow--where the old trail crosses, leadin' to Kinney's canon.