human
Very well, he conceded,
gpt
You promised a good dividend in the prospectus.
human
We didn't promise it on the first six months' working. Besides, one makes allowances for prospectus statements.
gpt
It shouldn't be needful where Allinson's is concerned. But what do you suggest?
human
That we keep the mine open, and do everything possible to increase the output and strike better ore. In the meanwhile, we won't say too much about our troubles.
gpt
When you increase the output you increase expenses. This doesn't matter so long as the refined metal will pay for it, but it's a ruinous policy where the ore's no good. Then, you can't hide our difficulties. The shareholders will expect a dividend, and if it isn't forthcoming they'll demand an explanation at their meeting.
human
That might be prevented. The family vote could be relied on, and it's often possible to control a meeting and silence objectors. These are matters you can leave to me.
gpt
The objectors have a right to be heard; they could be silenced only by trickery. If we have made a mistake, we must admit it and consider how we can cut the loss.
human
Admit our mistake? Leonard laughed.
gpt
You're talking at random.
human
This Company should never have been floated. We'll let it go at that: the less said upon the point the better. The question is--what is to be done now? Well, I've decided on two things--we'll keep a few men working at the mine, because the yield will cover their wages, while I go into the bush and look for a richer lode I've heard about. If I'm successful, we'll consider the new situation.
gpt
There's a friend of yours asking for you, Andrew; I brought him up,
human
I came to ask you over for a day or two, and I shall be glad if your relatives will come as well, he said.
gpt
We have plenty of room and have been rather dull lately. Besides, the hotel is too full to be comfortable.