human
Why did you promise that child to stay here?
gpt
Because I felt like doing so.
human
I needn't remind you that you've an appointment with Horsfield about the smelter; and there's a meeting of the board next day. If we started now and caught the first steamer across, you wouldn't have much time to spare.
gpt
That's correct. I shall have to wire from Victoria that I've been detained.
human
Do you mean to put off the meeting and keep your directors waiting, to please a child?
gpt
I suppose that's one reason. Anyway, I don't propose to hustle the little girl and her mother on board the steamer while they're helpless with seasickness. A gleam of humor crept into his eyes.
human
As I think I told you, I've no great objections to letting the gentlemen you mentioned await my pleasure.
gpt
But they found you the shareholders, and set the concern on its feet.
human
Just so. On the other hand, they got excellent value for their services--and I found the mine. What's more, during the preliminary negotiations most of them treated me very casually.
gpt
Well?
human
There's going to be a difference now. I've a board of directors--one way or another, I've had to pay for the privilege pretty dearly; but it's not my intention that they should run the Clermont Mine.