human
There seems to be a good deal of water in the mine.
gpt
That's so, said Watson.
human
We want to get rid of it. I've several boys in the sump, baling it up with coal-oil cans.
gpt
You mean the five-gallon drums you get your kerosene in? Andrew asked in surprise.
human
Why don't you order a pump?
gpt
We've got half of one and the engine's fixed. Guess we'll get the rest when Mappin's ready.
human
I'll send down word about it to the Landing.
gpt
You needn't. One of the river bosses is up here; he's getting his dinner now.
human
But dinner has been finished some time.
gpt
That don't count. We had pork to-day and the Mappin man figured he'd like trout, so I had to tell Yan Li to cook him some. If you want your plant brought up, you have to be civil to the transport people.
human
Bring the fellow here!
gpt
You sent for me, Mr. Allinson?
human
I did, answered Andrew curtly.
gpt
You have a pump of ours which has been in your hands some time. I want it delivered here immediately.
human
We'll do what we can, but most of the boys are busy on the road.
gpt
Then you had better send them back to the canoes. Our supplies must not be stopped.
human
It's awkward, said the other.
gpt
You don't quite understand yet how things are run here, Mr. Allinson. You want to give and take.
human
I expect to understand them better soon, Andrew dryly rejoined.
gpt
What we want at present is the pump, and if it isn't here by next week I'll charge your employer with the extra expense we're being put to.
human
The office wouldn't allow your claim.
gpt
I won't make one, said Andrew.
human
I'll knock it off your bill. No accounts will be paid without my sanction.
gpt
Oh, well, said the other,
human
And I thought he was an English sucker!
gpt
You were wrong, said Carnally.
human
You'll know Mr. Allinson better in a little while.