human
Do you suppose I would take advantage of your necessity by making a bargain of that kind?
gpt
You'd have to let your own claim go. A man can't hold two placer claims, and you're on the lead, he said.
human
I've got to have a partner, and I guess I'm not offering any more than the thing's worth to me.
gpt
He's right in one respect, said Sewell.
human
There are, of course, men in the valley who would be glad to take the claim on a smaller share--but they're not here now, and Esmond and his troopers may turn up at any minute. Besides, the prospects of your finding gold on the claim you hold are tolerably good.
gpt
I'll be gone in 'bout five minutes, said Tomlinson quietly.
human
If none of you will have the claim, it falls to the Crown.
gpt
A half-share is more than you are entitled to, but what you can do for Tomlinson is, as he pointed out, worth something, and you would have to let your own claim go,
human
Then I'll offer him a thousand dollars for a third share, on condition that he takes a four months' bill for them. I'll divide the risk and profit with you, Leger.
gpt
It seems to me Tomlinson is taking all the risk there is. If you don't find the money in the mine it's scarcely likely that you will meet the bill. Still, the notion's a good one. The thing has a more genuine look when it's based on value received.