On the Trail of Geronimo — page 294: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

280 ON THE TRAIL OF GERONIMO. man, who gesticulated and talked so vigorously, that his peculiar grunting voice was plainly heard, though of course, not a word could be under- stood. Evidently he was a messenger, justin with im- portant news for the leader, who also showed considerable excitement. “What would I not give,” reflected the lieuten- ant, “if I could know what is passing between them ?”’ The runner remained but a short time, when, evidently at the command of Geronimo, he started to bear away some message from him. Whitcomb’s heart gave a quick throb, as he became aware that the warrior, instead of going back over the path he had just used, took a course which, if followed, was sure to lead him straight to the white man lying on the ground! ‘My gracious! he’s going to step on me,” thought the latter, softly laying down his rifle and drawing his revolver. “If he does it will be worse than treading on a rattlesnake.” The officer was perhaps a dozen yards distant from the fire, the undergrowth being so slight that it offered really no resistance to his progress. Conniclooolxs (C(O) mM