_The Last Surrender_
Lieutenant Gatewood dismounted, handed the reins of his horse to one of
the couriers, and shook hands with Geronimo. Geronimo searched the
officer's face for some sign of fear. But there was not even a slight
nervousness. Lieutenant Gatewood was indeed worthy of his reputation for
both courage and gallantry.
Geronimo said, "Your face is pale and drawn, as though it has not seen
the sun in too many days. Or perhaps you have been ill?"
"It is nothing," said Lieutenant Gatewood. "I have merely ridden far and
fast so that I may talk with Geronimo."
"You did not say, 'My friend, Geronimo,'" Geronimo pointed out.
"You are not my friend," Lieutenant Gatewood said calmly. "You are the
friend of no white man or Mexican as long as you continue to live like
a wild beast, and raid and kill at your pleasure. Except for those who
are with you now, even the Apaches have turned against you, for you have
given a bad name to Apaches who would live at peace."
"It is true that many thirst for my blood," Geronimo said thoughtfully.
"It is equally true that you still speak with a straight tongue. Some
have called me 'friend,' and when they thought I was no longer
suspicious, have tried to betray me. But you say at once that you are
not my friend, and that is honest talk. What would you have from me?"
Lieutenant Gatewood said, "For myself I want nothing, and as a soldier I
may ask nothing. But for General Miles, the great chief in command of
the soldiers who are pursuing you, I ask your surrender and the
surrender of all your band."