human
We must have a talk, said Kenwyne.
gpt
I feel that these fellows' settling here is important; it's bound to make a difference. I know the type; one can't ignore them. They'll have to be reckoned with, as friends or enemies.
human
In spite of the Colonel's opinion, I believe their influence will be for good. What Allenwood needs most is waking up. Broadwood laughed.
gpt
It's curious that we should agree on this. Of course, my marriage is supposed to account for my perversion; but one can understand Mowbray's painful surprise at you. Your views ought to be sound.
human
What is a sound view?
gpt
At Allenwood, it's a view that agrees with Mowbray's.
human
Let's be serious, Kenwyne replied.
gpt
There's something to be said for his contention, after all. We have got along pretty well so far.
human
Yes; but the settlement has never been self-supporting. Mowbray got the land for nothing and sold it in parcels, as he was entitled to do, spending part of the price on improvements from which we all benefit. Then a number of the boys got drafts from home when they lost a crop. We have been living on capital instead of on revenue; but the time is coming when this must stop. Our people at home can't keep on financing us, and the land is nearly all taken up.
gpt
Well, what follows?
human
Allenwood will shortly have to earn its living, Broadwood answered, laughing.
gpt
This will be a shock to some of our friends, but even with wheat going down the thing shouldn't prove insuperably difficult.
human
We may have wheat at less than a dollar. Look at the quantity of good land that's available, and the character of the men who're coming in. They'll live on revenue, in dug-outs and fifty-dollar shacks, and all they don't spend on food will go into new teams and implements. They don't expect an easy time, and won't get it, but we'll have to meet their competition. Personally, I don't think that's impossible. I believe we're their equals in brain and muscle.
gpt
We used to think we were superior, Broadwood smiled.
human
Our conservative sentiments will be our greatest difficulty.
gpt
I'm afraid we'll have to get rid of them.
human
Mowbray will never throw his traditions overboard.
gpt
No. I see trouble ahead,
human
It's an awkward situation, I'll admit. Instead of Mowbray's leading us, we'll have to carry him along, so to speak, without his knowing it. As he's not a fool, the thing may need more tact than we're capable of. For all that, he must remain leader.
gpt
Of course, said Kenwyne simply.
human
He made Allenwood. We must stick to him.