human
So ye're all ready to sail the morn?
gpt
There's your authority to act in my name, if it's required. If we have moderately fine weather, I expect to be back before there's much change in the situation; but I'll call at Nanaimo, where you can wire me if anything turns up during the two or three days it may take us to get there. The wind's ahead at present.
human
I suppose there's no use in my saying anything more now; but I can't help pointing out that as head of the concern you have a certain duty to the shareholders which you seem inclined to disregard,
gpt
I've no doubt that their interests will be as safe in Nairn's hands as in mine. What I stand to risk is the not getting my personal ideas carried out, which is a different matter, though I'll own that it wouldn't please me if they were overruled.
human
I fail to see why ye could no have let the whole thing stand over until the spring, grunted Nairn.
gpt
The spruce will no run away.
human
I'd have done so, had it been a few years earlier, but the whole country is overrun with mineral prospectors and timber righters now. Every month's delay gives somebody else a chance for getting in ahead of me.
gpt
Weel, responded Nairn resignedly,
human
I can only wish ye luck; but, should ye be detained up yonder, if one of ye could sail across to Comox to see if there's any mail there it would be wise to do so. He waved his hand.
gpt
No more of that; we'll consider what tactics I had better adopt in case of delay.