"Why, it's plumb ridiculous.
If my girl would plug me that way, I'd sure feel--" His meaning was plain, though he did not finish.

She looked at him straight in the eyes though her face was crimson and her lips trembled a little.
"You are a brute!" she said.

Turning swiftly she began to descend the slope toward the ranchhouse.
Calumet stood looking after her for a moment, his face working with various emotions that struggled for expression.

Then, ignoring Dade, who stood near him, plainly puzzled over this enigma, he walked over to the edge of the wood where Taggart's rifle lay, picked it up and made his way to the ranchhouse..