human
I told you a good while ago that I was only the government's hired man, he replied.
gpt
You doubtless have much better information than any I can give you.
human
You can tell me what your orders are--that's what I want to know.
gpt
What has given you the impression that you own me, Mr. Cortwright? I have often wondered.
human
Well, I might say that I have made you what you are, and----
gpt
That's true; the truest thing you ever said,
human
And, I was going to add, I can unmake you just as easily. But I don't want to be savage with you. All I'm asking is a little information first, and a little judicious help afterward. What are your orders from the department?
gpt
Mr. Cortwright, I said a moment ago that you have made me what I am, and you have. I am infinitely a worse man than you are, because I know better and you don't. It is no excuse for me that I have had a motive which I haven't explained to you, because, as I once told you, you couldn't understand it in a thousand years. The evil has been done and the consequences, to you, to me, and to every one in this cursed valley are certain. Facing them as I am obliged to face them, I am telling you--but what's the use? You can't make a tool of me any longer--that's all. You must cook your meat over your own fire. I'm out of it.
human
I can smash you,
gpt
No, you can't even do that, was the equally cool retort.
human
No man's fate is in another man's hands. If you choose to set in motion the machinery which will grind me to a small-sized villain of the county-jail variety, it is I myself who will furnish every foot-pound of the power that is applied.
gpt
One more word before you go, Brouillard. It is to be war between us from this on?
human
I don't say that: It would be awkward for Miss Genevieve. Let it be armed neutrality if you like. Don't interfere with me and I won't interfere with you.
gpt
Ah! said the millionaire.
human
Now you have brought it around to the point I was trying to reach. You don't want to have anything more to do with me, but you are not quite ready to cash in and pull out of the game. How much money have you got?