“Provided nothing unexpected happens,” Freeman thought best to add.
The scout was a man of few words and only said “Huh!” to signify that he understood everything. Then, without more ado, he turned the head of his horse westward and rode off in the darkness.
“That brave fellow takes his life into his hands,” remarked the lieutenant; “he knows he would receive scant mercy if Geronimo or any of his band got hold of him.”
“Wherein would he differ from us?” questioned Freeman.
“In no respect, so far as final results are concerned, but they would punish him frightfully, for it is human nature to detest a renegade, as he and Cemuri are considered.”
“I don’t know whether it makes him more or less useful, but it seems to me he must be handicapped in his movements.”
“He doesn’t appear to be; I think if Mendez or Cemuri should become convinced that there was no possible escape from capture he would shoot himself.”
“So would I,” said Freeman.
“I wouldn’t, for as long as there’s life there’s hope.”
“I meant when all hope is gone.”