human
In that case, it might be as well to stay in Vancouver as much as possible and keep your eye on him,
gpt
The same idea has struck me since we sailed. The trouble is that until I've decided about the pulp mill he'll have to go unwatched--for the same reason that prevented you from holding up for me and steaming the plank.
human
If any unforeseen action of Horsfield's made it necessary, you could let this pulp project drop.
gpt
You ought to understand why that's impossible. Drayton, Kitty and Hartley count on my exertions; the matter was put into my hands only on the condition that I did all that I could. They're poor people and I can't go back on them. If we can't locate the spruce, or it doesn't seem likely to pay for working up, there's nothing to prevent my abandoning the undertaking; but I'm not at liberty to do so just because it would be a convenience to myself. Hartley got my promise before he told me where to search.
human
It might have been better if you had made the directors' qualification higher. You would have been more sure of Horsfield then, because he would have been less likely to do anything that might depreciate the value of his stock.
gpt
I had to get a few good names to make it easier for men of standing to join me. They wouldn't have been willing to subscribe for too many shares until they saw how the thing would go. Anyhow, so long as he's a director, Horsfield must hold a stipulated amount of stock. He's actually holding a good deal.
human
The limit's rather a low one. Suppose he sold out down to it; he wouldn't mind having the value of the rest knocked down, if he could make more than the difference by some jobbery. Of course, we're only a small concern, and we'll have to raise more capital sooner or later. I've an idea that Horsfield might find his opportunity then.
gpt
If he does, we must try to be ready for him, Vane replied.
human
I sat up most of last night with the spritsail sheet in my hand, and I'm going to sleep.