human
Say, do you still think this move is made by the owners to get value for their property, or is it a rascally deal to block us?
gpt
I don't know--it may be one or the other, or even both--anyhow it's our next move.
human
Somehow I feel it is the owners--perhaps this is the only way they could proceed--of course, she is worth twenty times what we paid--if it is, they ought to be reasonable. The _Fearsome_ lying out there rotting, without power, and the _Fearsome_ with power and at work, is very different, but they may rightfully expect more than the crew's back wages.
gpt
Now it may be only money they want--as soon as this load is out of her we can collect two thousand freight--and, Ben--you--you have not said anything lately about that barrel--is it possible to sell that now? Whatever it will bring will come in handy to get time enough to pay this claim--there's lots of timber up there and they want it moved. If we can get enough help I believe we can make two trips a week instead of one. Three thousand a week will soon wipe them out--and sooner or later we've got to pay the railroad for that motor.
human
But, Hiram, what about Becker & Co.? We started out to get into their place and we must not lose sight of that now.
gpt
I know--I know--but if these men mean to be fair they must allow us time. Ben, you are a better diplomat; go down and see these attorneys.
human
All right, I'll go at once--also I'll see what I can do with the barrel of _steel filings_,