human
And you think that near enough, eh, Fanning?
gpt
I do. This time we shall find it--that is, if we are given half a show. We may have to fight, and we may have to run--in which case we must try again another time. But the great thing is to find it. I have never been able to do so yet. Find it. The fighting is a secondary consideration.
human
Then you really think these Bushmen are still knocking about the spot?
gpt
Undoubtedly. But they are a wandering crew. They may be there, or they may be a hundred miles off. However, the fact that they have only interfered with me once out of the four attempts I have made is proof that the chances in our favour are three to one. That's pretty fair odds, isn't it?
human
Yes; I suppose so. But, I say, Fanning, humbug apart, do you really mean to say you've made four trips all by yourself into that infernal country? All by yourself, too?
gpt
Certainly. It's odd, by the way, what money will do--or the want of it. If I had a comfortable sufficiency, even, I'd let the thing go hang--make it over to you or any other fellow, and welcome. But here I am, desperately hard up--stone-broke, in fact. And I have a good few years more to live in this world, and one can't live on air. So one must risk something. But, mind you, I don't care for inordinate wealth. I only want enough to be able to steer clear of pinching--perhaps help other fellows along a bit--at any rate, to move on equal terms with the rest of mankind.
human
Well, you're moderate enough, anyhow, said Sellon.
gpt
Now, I could never have too much. By Jove! if we do succeed, eh? Only think of it!
human
I've thought of it so often, Sellon. I must be used to the idea. But, as I said, it's only a case of rolling on tranquilly--no more pinching or scraping, with the ghastly alternative of borrowing. That's all I care about.