The very uncertainty which there was, tempted the squire to disregard the possibility of Goddard's death as compared with the importance of his capture.

It was quite likely, he unconsciously argued, that the bloodhound would not kill him after all; it was even possible that he might not find him; but it would be worth while to make the attempt, for the results to be obtained by catching the fugitive were very great--Mrs.
Goddard's peace was to be considered before all things.

But still before the squire's eyes arose the picture of Stamboul tearing the throat of the man he had killed in the Belgrade forest.

If he killed the felon, Juxon would know that to all intents and purposes he had himself done the deed in order to marry Mrs.Goddard.But still the thought remained with him and would not leave him.
The fellow had threatened his own life.

It was then a fair fight, for a man cannot be blamed if he tries to get the better of one who is going about to kill him.