human
Got a big card to play, eh?
gpt
The ace of trumps, he gurgled;
human
Millions, he said.
gpt
Just as many millions as we could stagger under. Makes my mouth like sawdust to think of it. But pass out a bottle of champagne.
human
I'm going to tell you, he said.
gpt
If I don't tell somebody I shall go mad. I can't sleep at nights for thinking of it. When I do doze off I'm swimming in a river of sovereigns. With a bit of luck, it's a certainty.
human
Get on, Carlo. You're just playing with my feelings.
gpt
Well, it's just this way --Ericsson's voice dropped to a whisper.
human
There are two lines of cable by which South Africa can communicate with the outside world--the East and West Africa cables. The West Coast line isn't to be relied upon; it breaks down at least once a week. At a time like this a breakdown is a serious matter. The directors have taken the bull by the horns, so at the present moment the West Coast line is out of our calculations. It's under repair, and it's likely to remain so for some time to come. I've ascertained that communication with South Africa by the Western line is impossible. For the next fortnight no message can come or go by that route. This leaves us only the Eastern line to grapple with. If that kindly breaks down for four-and-twenty hours, our fortunes are safe.
gpt
Is it likely?
human
Why, yes. It has happened three times during this year. I tell you I have followed this thing pretty keenly. It's more than on the cards. Suppose the breakdown did come, Eli, and we had the last message through? Look at this.
gpt
Bertha has lost her aunt, and the water has been packed in the matchbox.
human
That isn't our cypher,
gpt
That isn't our cypher,