human
Then we'd better go on. I suppose Mappin's boys are road-making?
gpt
Yes, said Carnally.
human
Transport is going to be one of the Company's biggest expenses. Though the river is available it pays to cut out the worst of the portages. Packing ore over a mile or two of slippery rock costs money, and the river makes a big bend full of rapids a little higher up.
gpt
I remember now. The road is to go straight across by the old fur-trade traverse, and when it's finished we'll put wagons on. From the looks of the country it will be an undertaking.
human
Sure! agreed Carnally.
gpt
Still, if you get it done at a reasonable figure, it ought to pay.
human
It has struck me that we're giving a good deal of work to Mappin. Ever since we left the landing we have come across his men.
gpt
It's usual to put jobs you're unable to attend to into a contractor's hands,