human
Sit down, Jake, said Andrew, determined to penetrate his reserve.
gpt
Take a cigar. Now, we got on pretty well in the hospital and the prison camp, didn't we?
human
That's so; I wasn't in your squadron then. Besides, you've got moved up since; you're colonel now.
gpt
In a sense, I am. I don't know how you rank yet, but I have some say in choosing my officers. But we'll drop this fencing. Why did you hold off last night when I meant to be friendly?
human
I know my place; you're my boss. If my attitude didn't please you, tell me what you expect.
gpt
I'll try. To begin with, when I speak as the Company's representative, I must have what I want done.
human
That's right. I'm agreeable, so long as I hold my job.
gpt
Don't you mean to hold it?
human
That depends. I haven't made up my mind yet.
gpt
Then I want a man that I can rely on to help me through any trouble I meet, Andrew went on.
human
One that I can consult, when it's needful, with confidence.
gpt
It's quite likely that we might look at things from a different point of view.
human
Well, he asked,
gpt
We might give the thing a trial. Do you know much about mining?
human
Nothing, said Andrew.
gpt
I'll admit that to you. I don't think you'll take advantage of it.
human
But how did you come to be sent over in charge of the mine if you don't know your work?
gpt
I'm a director of the Company, and a good deal of the family money has gone into it.
human
Did you have anything to do with fixing up things on this side?
gpt
No. My brother-in-law, Hathersage, came over and made all arrangements. I'm rather ignorant about them.
human
Then he didn't take you much into his confidence about this mining proposition?
gpt
No; I can't say that he did.
human
And you expect a fair return on your money and mean to see that your friends who have invested don't get left? That's all?
gpt
Of course; I've no claim to anything else.
human
That, said the Canadian dryly,
gpt
Yes. The firm has backed this mine; I believe the name helped to float the scheme. That makes me responsible to the people who found the money.
human
Well, he said with an air of quiet resolve,
gpt
I guess I'll have to see you through.
human
You're looking serious, Jake, the man remarked.
gpt
Been with your new boss, I heard. What do you think of him?
human
Well, Carnally answered gravely,
gpt
Then you're not going to quit, as you talked of doing?
human
No, sir; I guess the new boss and I will pull along.
gpt
If he's square, why's he working with Mappin and the other grafters?
human
That's a point I don't understand yet. But it's my notion there's going to be less graft about this Rain Bluff proposition than you fellows think.