I just rewatched that episode and couldn’t help think what must have been running through Dan’s mind after he gave the Captain’s that first hit across the back then turned to look up at Hearst:
“Nice day to go fuck yourself.”
Jim Beaver (Ellsworth) posted at TWOP (post #347 in the Two-Headed Beast thread of the Deadwood forum) and explained his reaction in the scene with Alma.
No surprises, except to learn that another scene with the two of them was cut. Seeing it might have made Ellsworth’s rejection of Alma’s advances more clear.