human
I'll get supper. You'll feel better afterward,
gpt
Don't be too liberal,
human
I can't sleep any more, and we may as well talk--there are things to be arranged. In the first place, as soon as I feel a little easier you'll have to sail across to Comox and hire some men to pack me out. When you've sent them off, you can make for Vancouver and get a timber license and find out how matters are going on.
gpt
That is quite out of the question, Carroll replied firmly.
human
Nairn can look after our mining interests--he's a capable man--and if the thing's too much for him, they can go to smash. Besides, they won't give you a timber license without full particulars of area and limits, and we've blazed no boundaries. Anyhow, I'm staying right here.
gpt
Argument's not conducive to recovery. You're on your back, unfortunately, and I'll give way to you as usual as soon as you're on your feet again, but not before.
human
I'd better point out that we'll both be hungry by that time. The provisions won't last long.
gpt
Then I'll look for a deer as soon as I think you can be left. And now we'll try to talk of something more amusing.
human
Can you see anything humorous in the situation?
gpt
I can't, Carroll confessed.
human
Still, there may be something of that description which I haven't noticed yet. By the way, the last time we were at Nairn's I happened to cross the room near where you and Miss Horsfield were sitting, and I heard her ask you to wait for something at Nanaimo or Comox. It struck me as curious.
gpt
She told me to wait so that she could send me word to come back, if it should be needful.
human
Ah! ejaculated Carroll.
gpt
I won't ask why she was willing to do so--it concerns you more than me--but I think that as regards your interests in the Clermont a warning from her would be worth as much as one from Nairn; that is, if she could be depended on.
human
Have you any doubt upon the subject?
gpt
Don't get angry! Perhaps I've talked too much. We have to think of your leg.
human
I'm not likely to forget it, Vane informed him.
gpt
But I dare say you're right in one respect--as an amusing companion you're a dead failure; and talking isn't as easy as I thought.