human
That's one thing that has been bothering me a little, Luck owned gratefully.
gpt
Of course I considered her absolutely out of reach. But with her for my leading woman, and the boys holding up the range end as they're capable of doing--
human
Yes, my boys are able to do that, he said distinctly.
gpt
They have been well trained in Western dramatic work.
human
When I mentioned the boys, he said,
gpt
I meant my boys that I brought from the Flying U outfit, up in Montana. They go with me.
human
It's a pity, but I'm afraid that cannot be managed, Mr. Lindsay. The boys in my Western company have been with me, some of them, since the Independent Sales Company was organized. They worked for next to nothing till I got things started. Two or three are under contracts. You will understand me when I say that my boys must stay where they are. He waited for a minute, and watched Luck's face grow sober.
gpt
I have heard about your Happy Family, he added.
human
There has been a good deal of discussion, I imagine, among the studios about them. Ordinarily I should be glad to have you bring those boys with you; but as matters stand, it is impossible. Our Western Company is full, and I could not let these boys go to make room for strangers,--however good those strangers might be. You understand?
gpt
Certainly I understand.
human
Can't they stay on with the Acme? From what I hear, the Acme's Western Company is not large at best.
gpt
They can stay, yes. But they won't. The whole bunch gave in their two weeks' notice this morning.
human
Left when you did, I suppose?
gpt
That's just exactly what they did. I told them they better stay, and they nearly lynched me for it.
human
Have you made any agreement with them in regard to placing them with another company--for instance?
gpt
Certainly not. Some things don't have to be set down in black and white.
human
I--see.
gpt
These boys--have they any resources at all, other than their work in pictures? Did they burn their bridges when they came with you?
human
Oh, far as that goes, they've all got ranches. They wouldn't starve.