human
Gad, you'd make any man feel young and brisk!
gpt
Wasn't that Paul Gresham in Mrs. Boyden's box?
human
Yes; the very Paul, she assured him, glad that the colonel was making it so easy for her.
gpt
He's going to give you a new neighbor, Colonel. He's just been discussing a deal with Mr. Gamble for the vacant property next to your factory.
human
Bless my soul! ejaculated the colonel, rising hastily.
gpt
He hasn't actually sold it, has he?
human
He has given Mr. Gamble an option on it,
gpt
You don't say! exploded the colonel.
human
Why, what does Johnny Gamble want with it?
gpt
He didn't tell; but I think he's organizing a shoe-manufacturing company,
human
Goodness me! muttered the colonel, and, breathing heavily, he cursed his procrastination heartily to himself, threw discretion to the winds and hurried down to the Boyden box just as Gresham returned. His greeting to the other occupants was but perfunctory, and then he turned to Gresham with:
gpt
You haven't sold your property adjoining my factory, have you, Gresham?
human
Well, I've given Mr. Gamble an option on it,
gpt
For how much?
human
That would be telling,
gpt
For how long is your option?
human
Thirty days.
gpt
What are you buying it for--investment or improvement?
human
That would be telling again.
gpt
Will you sell it?
human
Depends on the price.
gpt
What'll you take for it?
human
Fifty-five thousand.
gpt
Bless my soul! exclaimed the colonel.
human
Why, man, that's robbery! I'll never pay it. I'll take a chance on waiting until your option expires, then I'll do business with Gresham. Gresham, what will you want for the property if Gamble, or WHEN Gamble doesn't take it up?
gpt
Fifty thousand,