human
Well, he said,
gpt
For one thing, Major Coulthurst would certainly not be up when I reached his office. For another, before I record the claim there's something to be said. The law, you see, cannot be expected to cover every contingency, and, if you look at it from one point of view, the claim is still yours. I'll buy the goodwill of you, if you'll take my bill.
human
I can't sell you what isn't mine, he answered.
gpt
Anybody who thinks it worth while can record that claim. It belongs to the Crown. I have my share in Tomlinson's mine, and, in one respect, I'm not sorry to see this one come into your possession. You, at least, would not consider the gold you took out belonged to yourself.
human
No? he said.
gpt
It's not wise to be too sure of anything, Ingleby.
human
I believe you told us you had struck gold once before. What did you do with it? When we met you in Vancouver you hadn't the appearance of a man who has a balance at his bank.
gpt
You can't carry on a campaign of any kind without funds. The one I embarked upon not long before you came across me was too big for us. It broke the exchequer, and landed me in jail.
human
Precisely! said Ingleby.
gpt
And what title have I to the money you would hold in trust? That is the difference between us. I'm not a leader--I'm glad of it just now--and what gold I find I want for myself.