human
Horsfield has been bringing up that smelter project again, and there's something to be said in favor of his views, he remarked.
gpt
We're paying a good deal for reduction.
human
We couldn't keep a smelter going, at present,
gpt
There are two or three low-grade mineral properties in the neighborhood of the Clermont that have had very little development work done on them. They can't pay freight on their raw product, but I'm thinking that we'd encourage their owners to open up the mines, and we'd get their business, if we had a smelter handy.
human
It wouldn't amount to much, Vane replied.
gpt
Besides, there's another objection--we haven't the money to put up a thoroughly efficient plant.
human
Horsfield's ready to find part of it and to do the work.
gpt
I know he is. Vane frowned.
human
It strikes me he's suspiciously anxious. The arrangement he has in view would give him a pretty strong hold upon the company; and there are ways in which he could squeeze us.
gpt
It's possible. But, looking at it as a purely personal matter, there are inducements he could offer ye. Horsfield's a man who has the handling of other folks' money, if he has no that much of his own. It might be wise to stand in with him.
human
So he hinted,
gpt
Your argument was about the worst you could have used, Mr. Nairn,
human
Weel, drawled Nairn good-humoredly,
gpt
I'm no urging it. I would not see your partner make enemies for the want of a warning.
human
He'd probably do so, in any case; it's a gift of his. On the other hand, it's fortunate that he has a way of making friends. The two things sometimes go together.
gpt
It might save trouble if I state that while I'm a director of the Clermont I expect to be content with a fair profit on my stock in the company.
human
He's modest, Carroll commented.
gpt
What he means is that he doesn't propose to augment that profit by taking advantage of his position.
human
It's a creditable idea, though I'm no sure it's as common as might be desired. While I have to thank ye for it, I would not consider the explanation altogether necessary. Nairn's eyes twinkled for a moment, and then he turned seriously to Vane.
gpt
Now we come to another point--the company's a small one, the mine is doing satisfactorily, and the moment's favorable for the floating of mineral properties. If we got an option on the half-developed claims near the Clermont and went into the market, it's likely that an issue of new stock would meet with the favor of investors.
human
I suppose so, Vane responded.
gpt
I'll support such a scheme when I can see how an increased capital could be used to advantage and am convinced about the need for a smelter. At present that's not the case.
human
I mentioned it as a duty---ye'll hear more of it. For the rest, I'm inclined to agree with ye.
gpt
In the present instance, Mr. Vane's views are sound, he said.
human
But I see difficulties before him in his business career.
gpt
So do I, smiled Carroll.
human
When he grapples with them it will be by a frontal attack.
gpt
A bit of compromise is judicious now and then.
human
In a general way, it's not likely to appeal to Vane. When he can't get through by direct means, there'll be something wrecked. You'd better understand what kind of man he is.
gpt
It's no the first time I've been enlightened upon the point.