human
Everything is against me, he said.
gpt
All my late investments have been losses--and now comes this fire to wipe out over one hundred thousand dollars of my property. Oh, what fools we were to hesitate about renewing those policies! I can see nothing but financial ruin unless I can extricate myself from the strait I am in. With my credit good, I can raise plenty of money, but how can I repay it? Within the next month I must borrow at least fifty thousand dollars. These losses almost unman me. Had I kept out of politics, giving my exclusive attention to business affairs, I should not have been in this predicament. What an infernal fool I am to allow ambition to lead me to ruin!
human
It seems like a dream, that George Alden entered the burning factory. He is a brave fellow, and the physician says he cannot live--thank God! but he is happier than I, for I am standing between _two_ fires--two powers are pulling my conscience in opposite directions--one for Mannis and his fortune, the other for George Alden and his honor. Pshaw! what is honor? Will it buy bread? Will it obtain station and fame? Not a bit of it. If Alden dies, Belle will be the wife of Walter Mannis, and I, her father, will be saved. If he lives there is only one way to dispose of him. By the way!--as Sargent is doctoring the books, why shouldn't he make the deficit fifty thousand, which I need, instead of five thousand? I might look over the securities and cash, stea--abstract that amount, and give Sargent such good cause that he will have no excuse for going back on me as he did once before. I'll go down to the bank at once.
gpt
Poor fellow, I am afraid he cannot live.
human
By present indications our cashier will step out without our aid, eh?
gpt
It does look so, but he is a brave fellow after all. What is the latest, Sargent?
human
He awoke to consciousness at noon, complaining of his back, which Dr. Briar, upon examination, found seriously injured, and says his case is almost hopeless. He fears internal injuries, as Alden has a high fever--everything pointing to danger.
gpt
It is sad, but may be for the best,