human
I spent some time on the spot, investigating things, he reminded them.
gpt
You have heard our contractor's charges, and I have given you the cost of cutting rock and supplying props at regulation wages. Is Leonard inclined to challenge the figures?
human
After all, said Leonard,
gpt
It is undoubtedly a grave matter. Unfortunately, there seems to be no prospect of the mine's paying.
human
There is a risk in jumping to conclusions! he said.
gpt
The all-round quality of the ore can only be proved by extensive working, and you must be aware that to increase the quantity of the output reduces the cost per ton!
human
That is a maxim which requires some thinking over, Wannop observed.
gpt
To begin with, I don't see how you can cut down the cost when you have a good deal of the work done by a contractor at a fixed price. Then if there's a loss on every ton, it puzzles an outsider like myself to understand how you expect to make a profit by producing a very large quantity.
human
I'm afraid it would take me some time and trouble to explain the thing,
gpt
There's no doubt you'd find it difficult,
human
Are we to understand that there will be no dividends? Mrs. Fenwood interposed, in alarm.
gpt
If so, I feel that I have been cruelly deceived. I was promised a handsome profit in the prospectus.
human
I have much the same feeling, said Robert Allinson.
gpt
The matter is one of importance to me. My stipend is not large; the expenses which my work in this parish entails are heavy. I bought the shares because I expected they would pay.
human
It's the usual reason for buying shares; but investors are disappointed now and then,
gpt
You took a business hazard, Robert, as did Mrs. Fenwood, Leonard contended.
human
Even if our Canadian prospects were as bad as Andrew imagines, which I do not admit, you would have no grievance.
gpt
You're mistaken! exclaimed Mrs. Fenwood.
human
I have heard that mining shares are risky, but I had every reason to believe that Allinson's never took up anything that was not perfectly sound.
gpt
That was true, until recently, Andrew said quietly, looking steadily at his brother-in-law.
human
I think I may say that it will again be the rule in the future.
gpt
I agree with Andrew, but I must suggest more caution on his part. After careful investigations in Canada, I made arrangements for the working of the new company. Everything promised well, there was no prospect of any difficulty, and I must confess to some astonishment when Andrew told me we were threatened by serious trouble. If he is right, I feel that he is to some extent responsible. In his inexperience, he has, I fear, acted with more zeal than discretion.
human
It's the only conclusion one can come to,
gpt
Is it seriously suggested that Andrew's inexperience has had some effect on the nature of the rock we are working?
human
After all, continued Leonard,
gpt
I think I may say that there is no cause for alarm. If the mining is proceeded with on the lines I laid down and no rash experiments are made, we shall no doubt presently reach excellent ore. I must deprecate the undertaking of any new ventures such as Andrew seems to have in view.
human
His favorite scheme, I understand, is the exploitation of a lode far to the north, which was discovered by a sawmill clerk twenty years ago; though in the place where he lives the thing is looked on as a delusion of the man's. Indeed, it is said that he is crazy on the subject. It strikes me as highly injudicious that the Company's capital should be wasted upon a search for imaginary minerals.
gpt
I will engage that not a penny shall be unprofitably spent, said Andrew.
human
If the thing prove a failure, I will bear the expense.
gpt
I feel that we are entitled to ask for a few particulars,
human
There we must disagree, Andrew replied.
gpt
If I am right about the lode, you and the other shareholders will be told all you wish to know; if I am wrong, the loss will be mine.