human
I saw Collaton on the track to-day and he was making some big bets, replied Loring with a frown.
gpt
He's not broke, Johnny. He's merely been letting you hold the bag.
human
Well, help me let go. Loring, I must dissolve that partnership.
gpt
No way to do it so long as the books remain lost. Unless one of you buys outright the practically defunct Gamble-Collaton Irrigation Company and assumes all its liabilities, you will remain responsible, since Collaton possesses no visible property. I'm sure that he stung you, Johnny.
human
Stung me! I'm swelled up yet.
gpt
It's your own fault. You trusted him too much.
human
He trusted me. I sold land.
gpt
Of course he trusted you. Everybody does. Meantime he was out West incurring obligations. You should have gone into bankruptcy and settled at twenty cents on the dollar when you had a chance, as I advised you.
human
Couldn't. I look in the glass when I shave. Anyhow, it's all paid now.
gpt
How do you know, with the books lost? You started in with an equal amount of money. When that was gone Collaton announced himself broke--and let you foot the bills. If he only raked off half of what he spent he got back his own and a tidy fortune besides. Your only chance is to have that enormous land deal turn out a winner.
human
It's worse than Lady S. Tore up my ticket long ago.
gpt
Quite a plunge on a long shot, with a welsher like Collator! making the book, commented Loring.
human
He stripped you clean.
gpt
I have my appetite,