human
So far as we were able, he said,
gpt
A good business proposition; this stuff should pay for smelting. I suppose you realize that your knowledge of the locality is valuable?
human
That's what I am coming to. If the thing's in your line, any information I can give you is at your service.
gpt
Ah! said Frobisher.
human
Let us understand each other. Do you want to sell?
gpt
Not to you. We have staked three claims, which is all we can legally hold, and our records were only filed an hour and a half ago. By using my map of our route and a sketch of the vein, you or anybody you may send could reach the spot and have some days for prospecting before anybody else could find it.
human
Then you're offering me this out of friendship?
gpt
Not altogether. I don't forget that you saved us from starving; but apart from that, I'd rather have somebody I know as owner of an adjacent claim. You'll excuse my saying that I can't tolerate Mappin there. I understand it isn't difficult to get up disputes over boundaries and water-rights, and he'd find some means of attacking us.
human
You're wise, and I appreciate your generosity. There's every reason to believe you have put me on to a good thing. But I'm getting too old to make the journey, and there's no time to be lost. The trouble is to fix on the right men to send, because they'll have to be reliable. I know two or three boys in Colorado who would see the thing through, but it would take a week to bring them here and only a British subject can file a record.
gpt
I have it! he exclaimed.
human
There's a fellow at the Landing who, I think, would deal honestly; but he must get off with some packers to-morrow. If you'll excuse me, I'll go across.
gpt
Here's an order on Watson at the mine for any provisions and tools he can supply. It will save your men some transport and that means a quicker journey. Now listen carefully for a minute.
human
Thanks,