Textual: This verse is part of the unit that was begun in Alma 10:31-32. Specifically, it follows the comment: "Alma 10:32 Now the object of these lawyers was to get gain; and they got gain according to their employ."
Verse 1 begins the explanation of the way the lawyers got gain. This odd little side trip into Nephite economy is Mormon's preface to verse 22 where the value of an ontie becomes important.