Riders from Caldwell's ranch, from Sigmund's, from Lester's--and from other ranches came in; and important-looking men from various sections of the state alighted from the trains at the station and lingered long in the dingy foyer of the hotel.

One of these was recognized by Keller as McGregor, secretary of the State Central Committee of Lawler's party.

And Keller noted that McGregor wore a worried look and that he scowled continually.
Willets waited; the riders who came into town waited; it seemed to the residents of Willets that the whole state waited, with its collective gaze upon the little room in the hotel where a man lay, fighting for his life.
Shorty waited--still silent, the somber brooding light in his eyes; his jaws set a little tighter, his eyes filled with a deeper glow.

Shorty said no word to any man regarding the deadly intention that reigned in his heart.

He merely waited, watching Lawler, grimly determined that if Lawler died he would keep his promise to "come for" Warden.
But Shorty would not have found Warden in town.