Page:Frank Owen - Rare Earth, 1931.djvu/201

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

Rare Earth

the 'pression that your head should be removed an' I'm here to do it. Now no offense is meant, you know, an' so if you will excuse me I'll jus' fix it so from now on your head an' you will go yo' separate ways.'"

"But suppose," broke in one of his comrades, "de man has other plans? Maybe he'll be attached to his head an' not like to have it rollin' around loose, promiscuous like. Maybe he'll give you a argument."

"A gentleman," sniffed Enoch, "never argues."

Enoch hated the thought of killing or wounding anybody. It was repugnant to him. He was descended from slaves, not supposed to be over-brilliant or civilized. But it seemed to him that such a wholesale sacrifice of human life was a frightful thing. However he was not afraid. He was always willing to undertake the most hazardous scouting tours. He was always thinking of others but with his own life he was utterly careless. Naturally he did not come back. Many of the finest men of all remained in France.

[196]