human
I've been down taking stock and checking up the day, he began, squatting down before me on his heels, keeping his pipe in his mouth.
gpt
We captured just thirty-nine logs, you know a few of them had rotten centers, but we've got over twenty thousand feet of clear lumber besides nearly three thousand feet of culls. Figure it out at fifty dollars--it's worth more delivered--eleven hundred dollars--first day--all amateurs--we've got the big idea working.
human
Why do you say we, Hiram? I claim no credit or interest or wages; I'm paid--it is your plan--don't be so modest.
gpt
Yes, I did get the idea of capturing this waste, but how far would I have got alone--a hundred and twenty-five dollars per from the railroad and a certainty of being accused of stealing. In a thousand years I never will be charged with ingratitude--if we win, you've got----
human
The weak spot, Hiram, is that you will soon clean the river of logs, and then what? Sit still and wait for the once-a-year highwater to bring them down?
gpt
Wait till we get Becker over there, he said, suddenly sobering and looking across the river, but making no other sign--something as a wolf looks at his prey within easy reach.
human
It's a hundred and fifty miles from here to the Gulf and lots of logs all the way. But with our big job done, once get actually free, and we run out of logs, something will turn up; in fact I've got another idea hatching. Do you see the foundation he has started over there? That's why he must have lumber. Doesn't his plant remind you of a quarantine station--or a pest house?