human
Isn't it 'bout time you made a move at the Canopus? he said.
gpt
So far as you have gone, you have only spoiled my hand. You didn't go there to build Devine flumes and dams.
human
In point of fact, I rather think I did. The difficulty, however, is that I am still unable to get into the mine. I have invented several excuses, which did not work, already. Nobody except the men who get the ore is even allowed to look at the workings.
gpt
Now, it seems to me that Devine has struck it rich, or he wouldn't be so concerned particular. It's quite plain that he doesn't want everybody to know what he's getting out of the Canopus. It's only a mine that's paying folks think of jumping.
human
Has it struck you that he might wish to sell it, and be taking precautions for exactly the opposite reason?
gpt
You show you have a little sense now and then, but there's nothing in that view, he said.
human
Is a man going to lay out dollars on dams and wire-rope slings when he knows that none of them will be any use to him?
gpt
I think he might. That is, if he wanted investors, who could be induced to take it off his hands, to hear of it.
human
The point is that he has only to put the Canopus into the market, and they'd pile down the dollars now.
gpt
Still, it is presumably our business, and not Devine's, you purposed to talk about.
human
Then we'll start in, he said.
gpt
You can't get into the mine, and it has struck me that if you could your eyes wouldn't be as good as a compass and a measuring-chain. Well, that brings us to the next move. When Devine left Vancouver a week ago, he took up a tin case he keeps the plans and patents of the Canopus in with him. You needn't worry about how I'm sure of this, but I am. Those papers will tell us all we want to know.
human
I have no doubt they would. Still, I don't see that we are any nearer getting over the difficulty. Devine is scarcely likely to show them me.
gpt
You'll have to lay your hands upon the case. It's in the ranch.
human
I'll be hanged if I do!
gpt
Now, he said, quietly,