Page:Saga of Billy the Kid.djvu/170

He patted his rifle. "Here's another pretty good reason." He rested his hand on the ivory handle of his six-shooter. "They knew if they made a move, I'd get two or three of them even if they got me. They didn't want to take a chance. But just let 'em catch me without my shootin' irons———" A shrug completed his sentence.

"I'm inclined to think you exaggerate the situation."

"I know what I'm talking about. I've gone too far to turn back. I've done too much fighting. I've killed too many men.

"But what of your future?"

"I wouldn't gamble much money on my future. I may live a year or two; I may die in the next five minutes."

"You mean you expect to be killed?"

The Kid looked surprised at the question.

"Certainly. They'll get me sooner or later."

"But," urged the governor, "if you change your way of living, you may change your way of dying. If you live by the six-shooter, you will probably die by the six-shooter. But there is still a chance for you. You are still in your youth. Life should still be sweet to you. Cease to be an enemy yourself and you will soon find yourself without enemies. I want to see peace again in these mountains. You can help me bring it about. I want you to surrender———"

"Me surrender?"

"Yes, and stand trial on whatever charges may be brought against you. If you are acquitted———

"No jury would acquit me of anything."

"—that will wipe the slate clean. If you are convicted, I give you my promise now that I will pardon you and set you free."

"I wouldn't have a chance in any court in New Mexico."