human
I'm afraid I'm not very entertaining,
gpt
It's a compliment that you're natural, Geraldine said graciously.
human
One doesn't always expect to be amused. But you have Carnally to help you at the mine. What do you think of him?
gpt
I have a high opinion of Jake.
human
I believe you're right; he's a favorite of mine. What he undertakes he carries out. You feel that he can be relied on; that he would do the square thing, however difficult it is. After all, one couldn't say much more of any man.
gpt
No, Andrew responded gravely.
human
The trouble often is to see how the square thing should be done.
gpt
I heard you were at the Landing, and I'm not sorry you'll have to stay all night, he said.
human
It's snowing so hard that I had some difficulty in getting home with the team.
gpt
How have you been getting on in the bush? Frobisher asked his guest when they sat talking in his smoking-room.
human
You look worried.
gpt
There's a reason for it--the mine's no good. Andrew looked Frobisher steadily in the face.
human
I dare say you knew that some time ago.
gpt
I had my suspicions. I wasn't singular in that.
human
So it seems. I must ask you to believe that it was only during the last few days that I found out the truth.
gpt
After that, I'd better say that I exonerated you--I think it's the right word--as soon as we'd had our first talk. I saw that you were being made a tool of.
human
You were right, said Andrew.
gpt
It isn't a pleasant situation. I don't mind its not being flattering; that's the least trouble.
human
What are you going to do about it?
gpt
The square thing, so far as I'm able. Allinson's, so to speak, guaranteed the undertaking.
human
Have you made any plans yet?
gpt
There's a point to be remembered, he cautioned.
human
Minerals in Canada belong to the State, which makes a grant of them to the discoverer on certain terms. The lode will therefore become the property of whoever first locates and records it, which will be open to any member of your party.
gpt
I've thought of that. The expedition will be financed by me, and I'll have an understanding with Graham and Carnally as to their share before we start.
human
Three claims could be staked, and your companions could make them over to you when the development work was done. If properly patented, you would be the legal owner.
gpt
I intend to become the owner.
human
Then you'd better cut your connection with Rain Bluff before you set off, he advised.
gpt
It might prevent some complications. The directors might contend that you were not entitled to undertake private mining operations while you represented the Company and drew its pay.
human
I don't think you understand. I mean to hold the claims in my own name, so as to strengthen my position, which will need it. I expect to have serious trouble over the Company's affairs.
gpt
You're no fool! You feel that you undertook to look after the shareholders' interests when you came over, and you have to make good?
human
Yes, Andrew assented;
gpt
I feel something of the kind.
human
Then we'll assume that you find the lode and that it's as rich as Graham believes--which is taking a good deal for granted. Your shareholders, learning that Rain Bluff is worthless, would probably jump at a proposition that would give them back their money, or even part of it. You could buy them out and afterward repay yourself handsomely by developing the new mine.
gpt
When these people gave us their money, they did so expecting to get any profit that could be made. It's their due and, so far, Allinson's has never broken faith with those who trusted it.