human
He and Winter work into each other's hands.
gpt
But Winter has no interest in the Clermont!
human
He holds no shares in the mine; but there's no much in the shape of mineral developments yon man has no an interest in. Since ye do no seem inclined to yield Horsfield a point or two, it might pay ye to watch the pair of them.
gpt
Now, he explained at length,
human
It's unnecessary to point out that a director's interest is no invariably the same as that of his shareholders,
gpt
It's an unfortunate fact. Yet I'd be no better off if I got only the same actual return on a larger amount of what would be watered stock.
human
There's sense in that. I'm no urging the scheme--there are other points against it.
gpt
Well, I'll go up and look round the mine, and then we'll have another talk about the matter.
human
I'm a little troubled about the situation, he confessed.
gpt
The Clermont finances are now on a sound basis, but it might after all prove advantageous to raise further capital; although in such a case we would, perhaps, lie open to attack. Nairn's inclined to be cryptic in his remarks; but he seems to hint that it would be advisable to make Horsfield some concession--in other words, to buy him off.
human
Which is a course you have objections to?
gpt
Very decided ones.
human
In a general way, Nairn's advice strikes me as quite sensible. Wherever mining and other schemes are floated, there are men who make a good living out of the operations. They're trained to the business; they've control of the money; and when a new thing's put on the market, they consider they've the first claim on the pickings. As a rule, that notion seems to be justified.
gpt
You needn't elaborate the point,
human
You made your appearance in this city as a poor and unknown man with a mine to sell, Carroll went on.
gpt
Disregarding tactful hints, you laid down your terms and stuck to them. Launching your venture without considering their views, you did the gentlemen I've mentioned out of their accustomed toll, and I've no doubt that some of them were indignant. It's a thing you couldn't expect them to sanction. Now, however, one who probably has others behind him is making overtures to you. You ought to consider it a compliment; a recognition of ability. The question is--do you mean to slight these advances and go on as you have begun?
human
That's my present intention,
gpt
Then you needn't be astonished if you find yourself up against a determined opposition.
human
I think my friends will stand by me.
gpt
Thanks. I've merely been pointing out what you may expect, and hinting at the most judicious course--though the latter's rather against my natural inclinations. I'd better add that I've never been particularly prudent, and the opposite policy appeals to me. If we're forced to clear for action, we'll nail the flag to the mast.
human
I'm far from sure that it will be needful,