human
We can't risk having the workings drowned; but I'm afraid the cost of the remedy will force me into sanctioning some scheme for increasing our capital.
gpt
Its a very common procedure, Carroll rejoined.
human
I've wondered why you had so strong an objection to it. Of course, I've heard your business reasons.
gpt
I have some of a different kind--we'll call them sentimental ones--though I don't think I quite realized it until lately.
human
You're not given to introspection. Go on; I think I know what's coming.
gpt
To put the thing into words may help me to formulate my ideas; they're rather hazy. Well, ostensibly, I left England as the result of a difference of opinion--which I've regretted ever since--though I know now that really it was from another cause. I wanted room, I wanted freedom; and I got them both--freedom either to do work that nearly broke my heart and wore the flesh off me or to starve.
human
The experience is not an unusual one.
gpt
Eventually, Vane proceeded,
human
I managed to get on my feet. I suppose I got rather proud of myself when I beat the city men over the floating of the mine, and I began to think of going back to the sphere of life in which I was born--excuse the phrase.
gpt
It looked nice, from a distance,
human
It was tolerable in Vancouver; anyway, while I could go straight ahead and interest myself in the development of the mine. I began to expect a good deal from my English visit.
gpt
And you were bitterly disappointed. It's a very old tale. You had cut loose--and you couldn't get back when you wanted to.
human
I suppose I'd changed: the bush had got hold of me. The ways and views of the people over yonder didn't seem to be those I remembered. They couldn't look at things from my standpoint; I wouldn't adopt theirs. You and I have had to face--realities.
gpt
Hunger, corrected Carroll softly;
human
I could act as director, with such men as Nairn, when it was a question of running a mine; but it's doubtful if I'd make a successful financial juggler. It's hard to keep one's hands off some of the professional tricksters. Bluff, assumption, make-believe--Pshaw! I've had enough of them. Better stick to the ax and cross-cut; that's what I feel to-night.
gpt
Now that you've relieved your mind, I'll show you where you were wrong. You said that you had changed in the wilderness--you haven't; your kind are fore-loopers born. Your place is with the vedettes, ahead of the massed columns. But there's a point that strikes one--is your objection to financial scheming due to honesty or pride?
human
I suspect a good deal of it's bad temper. Anyhow, I've felt that rather than truckle with that fellow Horsfield I'd like to pitch him down the stairs. But all this is pretty random talk.
gpt
It is, Carroll agreed.
human
You haven't said whether you intend to authorize that extension of capital?
gpt
I suppose it will have to be done. And now it's very late and I'm going to sleep.