human
It is probably an unusual course under the circumstances, but before I decide I would like to ask a question, he said.
gpt
We will suppose that you or one of your agents had sold a man who did not know what he was buying a tract of worthless land, and he demanded compensation. What would you do?
human
The man would naturally look at the land and use his discretion.
gpt
We'll assume that he didn't. Men who come into this country at a time when everybody is eager to buy now and then most unwisely take a land-agent's statements for granted. Even if they surveyed the property offered them they would not very often be able to form any opinion of its value.
human
Then, said Devine, drily,
gpt
Still, if the buyer convinced you that your agent knew the land was worth nothing when he sold it him?
human
That would be a little difficult, but I'll answer you. I've been stuck with a good many bad bargains in my time, and I never went back and tried to cry off one of them. No, sir. I took hold and worried the most I could out of them. Nobody quite knows what a piece of land in this country is or will be worth, except that it's quite certain every rod of it is going to be some use for something, and bring in dollars to the man who holds on to it, presently.
gpt
Then you would not make the victim any compensation?
human
No, sir. Not a cent. I shouldn't consider him a victim. That's quite straight?
gpt
I scarcely think anybody would consider it ambiguous, Brooke said, drily, for he felt his face grow warm, and realized that it was not advisable to give the anger that was gaining on him the rein.
human
It demands an equal candor, and I have given you one of my reasons for deciding that it would not suit me to enter your service. I can't help wondering what induced you to make me the offer.
gpt
Well, he said, reflectively,