human
How is her uncle, Barton Keith, by the way?
gpt
About as usual, was the answer.
human
He sends word by Mary that he'll be glad to see us any time we want to call. He has some nice offices in the Landmark Building.
gpt
Those papers proving his right to the oil land, which you recovered from the sunken ship for him, must have made his fortune.
human
Well, yes--that and other things, agreed Tom.
gpt
Say, we had some exciting times on that undersea search, didn't we?
human
Did you call on Mr. Keith when you went to Newmarket with Mary?
gpt
No, I didn't get a chance. Besides, I wanted to keep away from the Landmark Building.
human
Why?
gpt
Oh, I might run into Field and Melling, and I don't want to see them until I can accuse them, and prove it, of having taken Mr. Baxter's dye formulae.
human
Oh, yes, they're in the same building with Mr. Keith, aren't they? Why do they call it the Landmark? Though I suppose the answer is obvious.
gpt
Yes, assented Tom.
human
It's a big building--the tallest ever erected in that city, and a fine structure. Though while they were about it I don't see why they didn't make it fireproof.
gpt
Didn't they? asked Ned, in surprise.
human
Then the insurance rates must be unusually high, for the companies are beginning to realize how fire departments, even in big cities, are hampered in fighting blazes above the tenth or twelfth stories.
gpt
Yes, it was a mistake not to have the Landmark Building fireproof, admitted Tom.
human
And Mr. Keith says the owners are beginning to realize that now. It is what is called the 'slow burning' construction.
gpt
Insurance companies don't go much on that, declared Ned, who was in a position to know.
human
Well, let us hope it never catches fire.