human
I understand that you insist upon cutting this timber,
gpt
Yes, Harding replied.
human
And I was surprised when your friend here said it belonged to Colonel Mowbray.
gpt
He went too far, but it does belong to him in a sense. The Colonel founded the settlement when very few other people thought of leaving Manitoba, and he had the usual option of cutting all the wood he wanted on unoccupied land. We have always got it here, and as we have done all the road-making and general improvements in the neighborhood, we have come to look upon it as our own.
human
Is that your bridge across the creek?
gpt
Yes; and it's not a bad job, I think. We had a good deal of trouble digging out the grade in the ravine.
human
Well, interfering with bridges is not a habit of mine; so we'll let your trail stand. But I could make you divert it to the proper road reserve.
gpt
Ah! exclaimed Kenwyne.
human
That sounds significant.
gpt
Precisely. This bluff and the section it stands on belong to me; the transfer was registered at the land office a week ago.
human
Then I think there's nothing more to be said.
gpt
Oh, Harding responded with a smile,
human
Thanks! he said.
gpt
It's a generous offer, but I can't promise that Colonel Mowbray will avail himself of your permission. I wish you good afternoon.