human
This is a very nice house and I like your friend, he commented.
gpt
It's lucky he invited us, because I don't know how they'd have put us up at the hotel.
human
What brought you over with Leonard?
gpt
Gertrude wanted to make some visits this winter, which set me free. I've never been much away from home, and it struck me as a good chance for seeing Canada; then Jack Cartwright--you may remember him--is in Toronto. It's twelve years since I've met him, though he has often urged me to come over; and there's another man I know in Winnipeg.
human
I wonder whether that was all?
gpt
You seem to have been getting smarter since you came to Canada, he said.
human
Perhaps I'd better admit that I was anxious to see how you were getting on.
gpt
Didn't Leonard tell you?
human
Leonard was as guarded and diplomatic as usual. He informed us that there had been some trouble at the mine and he was afraid you hadn't experience enough to deal with the situation. Then he gave us the impression that you were inclined to be rash and might make a mess of things unless he came over and put you right.
gpt
Ah! exclaimed Andrew;
human
I expected something of the sort.
gpt
Can matters be straightened out?
human
Not in the few days that Leonard intends to devote to it. It's most unlikely that the Rain Bluff will ever pay.
gpt
I'm sorry to hear it. A good deal of my money and Gertrude's has gone into the mine.
human
You needn't be alarmed. I don't think the shareholders will suffer.
gpt
That doesn't seem to agree with your last remark.
human
I've a plan for working a richer lode, but I can't tell you anything further, because the secret belongs to another man until the minerals have been recorded; and it wouldn't be fair to Leonard and the directors, who haven't been consulted about the project yet. When my plans are ready, they will be disclosed. Perhaps I'm straining your confidence.
gpt
It will stand some strain. But are you sure that Leonard will be fair to you?
human
That is another matter,
gpt
Well, I'm glad you have told me something: it gives me a lead. It was obvious that you and Leonard were at variance. In fact, I've foreseen a split for some time, and if a side must be taken, I'd rather stand by you.
human
Thanks! But it may get you into trouble.
gpt
We're neither of us sentimentalists, but there's something to be said. You and I have always got on well, and when I married Gertrude you didn't lay such stress on the favor shown me in being allowed to enter the family as your estimable relatives did. Then we're the two whose abilities aren't held in much esteem, which is some reason why we should stick together. With all respect for the others, I sometimes think they're wrong.
human
We'll come to business, Wannop went on.
gpt
While the Rain Bluff shares were well taken up by outside investors, a good many are held by the family; these count as a compact block, a strong voting power--though it's remarkable that Leonard holds less than any of the rest of us. So if there's to be a fight between you and him, it will begin among your relatives; their opinion is more important than that of the general shareholders.
human
Yes, assented Andrew,
gpt
Leonard would be powerful if backed by the solid family vote.
human
The point is that he may not get it. Anyhow, Gertrude and I will support you, and we hold a good deal of stock between us.
gpt
Thanks! said Andrew.
human
Still, it may not come to a struggle of that kind, after all. It must be avoided if possible.