It still thrilled him, but it brought with it a longing for Ruth to share it with him.
Thoughts of Ruth this morning brought Gary Warden into his mind.

And he frowned as a man frowns who watches a pleasant scene turn into tragedy.
Only his collapse as he faced Warden that day in the latter's office had prevented him killing the man.

He had left the Dickman cabin lusting for Warden's life.

The passion that had surged through his veins during the long ride to Warden's office had been the only force that could have kept him going.

It had burned within him like a raging fire, and it had upheld his failing strength until he had sunk beside the desk with his passion unsatisfied.
He had thought much of the incident during the days he had lain in the room at the Willets Hotel, and later, while convalescing at the Circle L.And he had been glad his strength had failed him before he did what he had set out to do.