human
They would, I fancy, have got you a good appointment anywhere,
gpt
As a matter of fact, they got me one or two. It is, however, occasionally a little difficult to keep an appointment when obtained.
human
What are you going to do with the ore I brought you?
gpt
Enrich what we raise here with it.
human
It is a little difficult to understand what you would gain by that.
gpt
I would certainly gain nothing, but Thomas P. Saxton seems to fancy the result would be profitable to him.
human
But does the Dayspring belong to Saxton?
gpt
As much as I do, and he believes he has bought me soul and body. The price was not a big one--a very few dollars every month, and enough whisky to keep me here. If that failed me, I should go away, though I do not know where to, for I cannot use the axe. He is, however, now quite willing to part with the Dayspring, which has done little more than pay expenses.
human
That is presumably why he arranged that I should bring the ore down past the few ranches near the trail at night?
gpt
Precisely! said Allonby.
human
You see, Saxton wants to sell the mine to another man--because he is a fool. Now the chief recommendation a mine has to a prospective purchaser is naturally the quality of the ore to be got out of it.
gpt
But the man who proposed buying it would send an expert to collect samples for assaying.
human
It is not quite so difficult for a mine captain who knows his business to contrive that an expert sees no more than is advisable. A good deal of discretion is, however, necessary when you salt a poor mine with high-grade ore. It has to be done with knowledge, artistically. You don't seem quite pleased at being mixed up in such a deal.
gpt
I have no doubt that, considering everything, it is a trifle absurd of me, but I'm not, he said.
human
One has to get accustomed to the notion that he is being made use of in connection with an ingenious swindle. That, however, is a matter which rests between Saxton and me, and we may talk over it when I go back again. Why did you call him a fool?
gpt
I suppose you couldn't raise eight thousand dollars to buy the mine with?
human
I should have some difficulty in raising twenty until the month is up.
gpt
Then you are losing a chance you'll never get again in a lifetime, and Allonby made a little gesture of resignation.
human
I would have liked you to have taken it, because I think I could make you believe in me. That is why I showed you the medals.