"Why not?"
"I will tell you: because, if you were set at liberty, you would go straight and tell the man who sent you what you have seen, and I do not wish that. Besides, I know at present as well as you do, where Red Cedar is."
"Red Cedar does not hide himself, and can always be found."
"Very good. You have five minutes to recommend your soul to Heaven, and that is more than you deserve."
Orson understood from the hunter's accent that he was lost. Hence he made up his mind bravely.
"Bravo!" he said, "well-played."
Valentine looked at him.
"You are a plucky fellow," he said to him, "and I will do something for you. Curumilla, unfasten his arms."
The Indian obeyed.
"Look here," said Valentine, offering him a pistol. "Blow out your brains, it will be sooner over, and you will suffer less."