Quick question for a boating newbie regarding our motor

We have a 1999 Trophy 17' with a Mercury 2 stroke outboard motor. Everything seems to be working well and I have learned how to keep it greased and am learning more about the engine daily. My question is this. There is a small black rubber tube coming down that is cut and a second cut portion of tube that connects to a metal square that goes into the gear casing. Nothing comes out of either of these tubes that I have seen but it seems odd that there are two cut ends and would seem they should be connected? Any help on what this might be would be appreciated. Here is attached image:



And link if needed: https://1drv.ms/i/s!AlaDmuXZsT4I00o3yn7BtM3I9Qbw

It's for the speedo.

So if there is no speedometer (which there is not) then no harm in it being cut like it is? If I ever decide to install a speedometer, then I will have to replace the tube, correct?

No harm and that is where you would attach it to.