human
Feeling quite yourself again?
gpt
Yes, said Brooke,
human
And you almost wondered what he did it for?
gpt
I should, at least, never have ventured to suggest that anything except good-nature influenced you,
human
Still, you felt it? Well, you were considerably used up when you came in, and, as I sent you to the Surveyor, who didn't seem to have any use for you, I felt myself responsible. That appears sufficient?
gpt
Since you ask, I scarcely think it does,
human
Take a cigar. That's the kind of talk I like. We'll come to the point right away.
gpt
Thanks. I'm willing to listen as long as appears necessary,
human
You have a kind of grievance against Devine?
gpt
I have. According to my notion of ethics, he owes me six thousand dollars, and I shall not be quite content until I get them out of him, although that may never happen. I feel just now that it would please me especially to make him smart as well, which I quite realize, is unnecessary folly.
human
Exactly, he said.
gpt
A man with sense keeps his eye on the dollars, and leaves out the sentiment. It's quite apt to get in his way and trip him up. Well, suppose I could give you a chance of getting those dollars back?
human
I should be very much inclined to take it. Still, presumably, you do not mean to do it out of pure good-nature?
gpt
No, sir, said Saxton, drily.
human
I'm here to make dollars. That has been my object since I struck out for myself at fourteen, and I've piled quite a few of them together. I'd have had more only that wherever I plan a nice little venture in mines or land up and down this province, I run up against Devine. That's quite straight, isn't it?
gpt
I fancy it is. You are suggesting community of interest? Still, I scarcely realize how a man with empty pockets could be of very much use to you.
human
I have a kind of notion that you could be if it suited you. I want a man with grit in him, who has had a good education, and could, if it was necessary, mix on equal terms with the folks in the cities.
gpt
One would fancy there were a good many men of that kind in Canada.
human
Oh, yes, he said, drily.
gpt
The trouble is that most of them have got something better to do, and I can't think of one who has any special reason for wanting to get even with Devine.
human
That means the work you have in view would scarcely suit a man who was prosperous, or likely to be fastidious?
gpt
No, said Saxton, simply.
human
I don't quite think it would. Still, I've seen enough to show me that you can take the sensible point of view. We both want dollars, and I can't afford to be particular. I'm not sure you can, either.