human
Would you mind telling me the history of Mr. Gamble's partnership with Mr. Collaton?
gpt
I guess I heard what you said, he returned doubtfully, and he looked at her in astonishment.
human
Of course you know that Johnny is a client of mine.
gpt
I know that he is a friend of yours also,
human
On that basis I'll tell you anything you want to know, laughed Loring.
gpt
Johnny was doing an excellent business in real estate speculation when this man Collaton came to him with an enormous irrigation scheme. They formed a partnership. Collaton went out West to superintend the reclaiming of some thousands of acres of arid land, while Johnny stayed here to sell rose-bordered farms to romantic city home seekers. Collaton spent money faster than Johnny could get it, and operations had to be discontinued. Johnny has been paying the debts of the concern ever since. Every time he thinks he has them cleared off, a new set bobs up; and, since the books and all the papers are lost, he can't prove or disprove anything. Johnny can't even dissolve the partnership so long as there are indefinite outstanding accounts. Now, Constance, I'm not a good lawyer or I would not, even in strict confidence like this, say the following, to wit and namely: I think Collaton is a plain ordinary sneak-thief.
human
Doesn't it seem rather strange that the people who hold claims against Mr. Gamble should just happen to attach his bank-account on the very day he was expected to make a deposit, and for the identical amount?
gpt
It does seem strange,
human
It would almost seem as if these people had been informed by some one who knew Mr. Gamble's circumstances quite intimately,
gpt
That is a very delicate matter to discuss,
human
You are quite right, she agreed.
gpt
What does Mr. Gamble think about it all?
human
Johnny does a lot of thinking and a lot of talking, but you can't hear what he thinks, replied Loring with a smile.
gpt
He is outwardly assuming--and where Collaton is certain to have it repeated to him--that Collaton was merely unfortunate; but I believe he is only waiting for a proof--and then I imagine he will drop on Collaton and whoever is helping him like a ton of pig-iron.
human
I hope he does!
gpt
You seem to have acquired a violent partisanship,
human
Yes, I have, she admitted with a slight flush.
gpt
I like fair play. I believe I have a very even temper, but it angers me to see any one so open and manly and generous as Mr. Gamble made a victim of mean trickery.
human
He's a handsome boy too,
gpt
Well, suppose he is,
human
He has a right to be, granted Loring, looking at her with renewed admiration. With a slight flush of confusion upon her she was even more charming than he had ever thought her before.
gpt
If I had so tantalizingly pretty a girl so interested in my fortunes I wouldn't care whether they perfected aeroplanes or not,
human
You may come down now, thank you, she sweetly informed him.
gpt
Can't you get Mr. Gamble to make you his receiver or trustee, or something, for the irrigation company?
human
I might now, mused Loring.
gpt
He's so interested in the impulsive attempt to make his million dollars that I think I could persuade him. He seems to be really serious about that million.
human
Of course he's serious about it, asserted Constance almost indignantly.
gpt
Don't you suppose he can do it?
human
Well, this is the age of financial miracles, acknowledged Loring, but with a shake of his head.
gpt
He can't do it, though, if Collaton gobbles up all he makes and injures his credit besides.
human
I wish you to act as my agent, Ashley, she said crisply.
gpt
Mr. Gamble is certain to make some money, is he not?
human
Johnny will always make money,
gpt
If you bring in a bill against him for money you have expended, after you have wound up the Gamble-Collaton affairs, he will, of course, pay it.
human
As quickly as he can find a fountain-pen and a check-book.
gpt
I wish to loan him some money without his knowledge. I want you to take fifteen thousand dollars early to-morrow morning and pay that attachment, or whatever it is, at his bank. Naturally I do not want Mr. Gamble to know that I am interested; and I look to you to manage it so that, when the money is returned to me, he shall imagine that you have advanced the funds.
human
I can arrange that easily enough, Loring promised her.
gpt
Constance, I suppose I ought to advise you that this is silly; but I'm glad you're doing it. Moreover, I feel certain that, if this entanglement is straightened out, Johnny may take a new interest in the irrigation company and, by handling it himself, may recover all his losses.
human
I sincerely hope so, returned Constance earnestly.
gpt
You know I've taken a queer interest in this quixotic attempt of Mr. Gamble's to make his million. It's like a fascinating game, and I almost feel as if I were playing it myself--I'm so eager about it.
human
And your spirit of fair play is aroused,