human
We must understand each other, Leonard said.
gpt
I hear you have found the lode. Will you tell me your plans?
human
Not to begin with. I want some information about yours first. No doubt Mappin cabled you news of our discovery?
gpt
He did. I might retort that you have seen my colleagues and tried to gain them over, in my absence, instead of waiting for my return; but that is not an important matter. What is it you wish to know?
human
Do you mean to submit the report to the Rain Bluff shareholders as it stands?
gpt
Yes,
human
Knowing it to be misleading? he said.
gpt
Very well; I can't prevent its issue. I suppose you have heard that your confederate has been beaten in what must be his last attempt to thwart me?
human
I heard that an attempt had been made to jump the Company's claims.
gpt
My claims,
human
The Company's, I think. You were our representative when you found them.
gpt
We'll let that go; it's not a point that's likely to be raised.
human
Oh, well, he said,
gpt
I've told you that, if needful, Mappin must be sacrificed.
human
That is not what you told him. You must have meant to trick one of us or play false to both.
gpt
I can't tolerate such words!
human
We'll drop all disguises. You have plotted against me ever since I went to Canada, and I'm showing you more consideration than you deserve in speaking of these things in private instead of before the family. It is for Florence's sake I'm doing so. He raised his hand.
gpt
Let me finish! You would have ruined the Rain Bluff Company sooner than allow me to reorganize it; you conspired with Mappin to starve me and my friends to death.
human
That is ridiculous! If we are to talk the matter out, try to be calm. I'll admit that I would have been glad to prevent your wasting the Company's time and money on an absurd adventure, and gave Mappin a hint to that effect. If he went farther, for his own ends, I'm not responsible.
gpt
I'd like to believe that you speak the truth. Apart from this, you have persuaded the directors that my suggestions are not to be considered seriously and what's worse, you have from the beginning prejudiced my relatives against me. It's your doing that they think me a fool.
human
It looks as if you mean to force a quarrel,
gpt
In a sense, you're right. We can't go on as we have been doing.
human
Very well. What do you suggest?
gpt
In the first place, I ask for your resignation from the Rain Bluff Board. That shouldn't be difficult; you have been selling your shares.
human
I might agree. Three of the directors must retire, and the Company isn't likely to prosper if you get control.
gpt
I understand your reasons. The concern has got into trouble, for which I'm to be held responsible, and you clear out because you find it impossible to curb my recklessness. You expect to save your credit in that way.
human
Have it so, if you like,