human
Well, he said at last,
gpt
I believe it is true that shares have been parted with by a man who has a say in the management of the company.
human
That sounds discouraging. If I sell out, I'll lose three or four shillings on every share.
gpt
Yes; and if others follow your example, it will weaken the Company's position. However, I think you can venture to keep your stock.
human
You can't expect me to take the risk of holding, in order to support a concern in which I'm badly disappointed. I must ask you frankly what is wrong at the mine?
gpt
In strict confidence, I may say that the ore we are working does not promise well.
human
You are remarkably candid; but you give me a curious reason for holding on to my shares.
gpt
Here's a better one, said Andrew.
human
We have another mine in view; but whether it turns out rich or not, no holder of Rain Bluff stock shall lose a penny by his confidence in Allinson's.
gpt
Though I don't know much about stock-jobbing, that strikes me as an extraordinary promise.
human
I dare say it is, Andrew replied.
gpt
I offer you no guarantee; you must use your judgment.
human
I believe your word is good enough. You have taken a load off my mind, Mr. Allinson. I'll hold those shares. May I add that if my proxy is likely to be of any value at your meetings, you may count on it?
gpt
Thanks! And now, did I tell you that Olcott promised to bring you out again to-morrow? There's a cover I want to beat and the pheasants ought to be plentiful.
human
I've had a talk with Mr. Allinson which confirms your opinion of him, he said.
gpt
But I must say that he doesn't fit in with my idea of a Company director.
human
Andrew's new to the business, and undertook it with reluctance from a sense of duty. For all that, though his ignorance of commercial matters must be a handicap, I expect him to make a success of it.
gpt
One would imagine that a desire to make money is the more usual object, but I think you're right. In fact, you have touched upon a pet idea of mine.