human
I was about to ask you the same thing. It was in Vancouver I saw you last,
gpt
I came here on a very wicked pack-horse--one that kicked, and on two occasions came very near falling down a gorge with me. I am now building a flume for the Canopus mine--if you know what that is.
human
I fancy I know rather more about flumes than you did a little while ago. At least, I have reason to believe so, from what a mining foreman told me this afternoon. He, however, expressed unqualified approval, as well as a little astonishment, at the progress you had made. You see, I happened to observe what took place before the shot was fired a few hours ago.
gpt
Then you witnessed an entirely unwarranted piece of folly.
human
You could have cut those fuses, and relighted them afterwards, but, since you did not remember it, I don't think that counts. What made you take the risk?
gpt
Well, said Brooke, reflectively,
human
That is not in the least what I mean--as I fancy you are quite aware.
gpt
Then, said Brooke, with a faint twinkle in his eyes,
human
I'm afraid I don't quite understand the moral causes of the proceeding myself, though I have heard my comrade describe one quality which may have had something to do with it as mulishness. It was, of course, reprehensible of me to be led away by it, especially as when I took the contract I really didn't care if the flume was never built.
gpt
And now you mean to finish it if it ruins you?
human
No, said Brooke,
gpt
I really don't think I do. In fact, I hope to make a good many dollars out of it, directly or indirectly.