human
He is better. He went off this morning in what looked like a natural sleep, and when he woke, an hour ago, I could see that he knew me. I don't suppose he knew he had been lying insensible for a week, but thought I had just come back from work. He whispered, 'How does it look to-day, Jim?' and after what you told me about what you thought about the old course of the river, I was able to say honestly, 'I think the chances look more favourable.' He whispered, 'We shall make a fortune yet, Jim,' and then drank some soup and went off to sleep again. Tomorrow morning I will set to work again. I don't believe a bit in the dream myself, but it will make him more comfortable to know that I am at work upon it; and after all it may turn out some good.
gpt
My partners have more faith in it than I have, Frank said.
human
Abe told them about the dream, and about what I had noticed of the probable course of the river in the olden times, and I have a proposal to make to you. We will take up five claims by the side of your two, two on one side and three on the other; then three of us will help you sink your shaft. All that's found in your claims will be yours; and if it turns out rich you shall pay us just as if we had been working for you by the day. When we have cleared out your claims we are to have the right of using your shaft for working right and left along the bottom over our claims. I think that's a fair offer.
gpt
I think it's more than fair; it is most kind, the young man said.
human
You are risking getting nothing for your labour if it turns out poor.
gpt
Yes, we are risking that, Frank agreed,
human
In that case I agree most heartily, James Adams said,
gpt
If he is better to-morrow, Frank said,
human
How is it you aren't at work, Jim? It's broad daylight.
gpt
I have knocked off for to-day, father, I wanted to have a chat with you. A party of five miners, who have been very kind to me while you have been ill--for you have been ill now for more than a week, though you don't know it--have made me a very good offer, although I could not accept it until I consulted you. You see I cannot get on much with the claim by myself; the ground falls in and wants timbering, and I can do nothing alone. Well these miners have offered to help sink our shaft, on the conditions that they get no pay if it turns out poor, but if it turns out well they are to be paid for their daily labour, and when we have worked out our claims they are to have the right of using our shaft for working out the claims they have staked out next to ours.
human
No shares, Jim, the old man said;
gpt
No, father; the agreement is just as I told you. If it turns out well they get their wages and the right to use our shaft to get at their claims.
human
Very well, I will agree to that; we shall get down all the sooner to our gold. But mind, have it put down on paper, else they will be setting up a claim to a share in our treasure.
gpt
I will get it done regularly, father, Jim said.
human
They mean very fairly. As I told you, they have shown me the greatest kindness--indeed you owe your life to them, for if it had not been for them, I had, as you know, no means whatever of holding on. Whilst you have been ill two of them have been sitting up with you at night. They have showed themselves true friends.
gpt
Well, I am glad you have found some friends, Jim, the old man said feebly.
human
But you must be careful, you know, very careful, and be sure the agreement is signed and witnessed properly.