human
What brought you into our neighborhood?
gpt
I'm always looking for business, and I find it pays to keep an eye on my customers. Some of them have a trick of lighting out when things go wrong, and leaving a few rusty implements to settle their debts. Financing small farmers isn't always profitable.
human
They can't take their land away, Devine said.
gpt
I guess you don't often lose much in the end.
human
Land! exclaimed Davies.
gpt
I've money locked up in holdings I can't sell, and have to pay big taxes on.
human
You'll sell them all right by and by, but of course you know that, Harding replied. He gave the land-agent a shrewd look.
gpt
You have a call or two to make at Allenwood, and would rather get there in the afternoon?
human
True! The boys might find it embarrassing if I showed up just now. They're willing to do business with me, and when they're in Winnipeg they'll take a cigar or play a game of pool; but asking me to lunch is a different matter. He continued smiling, but Hester, who was watching him closely, thought there was something sinister in his amusement as he added:
gpt
They stick to the notions they brought from the Old Country, and I don't know that they'll find them pay.
human
I shouldn't imagine all the business you'd get at Allenwood would have made a trip from Winnipeg worth while,
gpt
That's so, Davies agreed, as if eager to explain.
human
I'd a call in Brandon, and wanted to look up some customers in the outlying settlements. When I got so far, I thought I'd come on and see how this country's opening up. I notice the boys are doing pretty well.
gpt
You don't mean at Allenwood? You haven't been there yet.
human
No; this is my first trip, and I expect it will be my last. Is there much doing yonder?
gpt
The land's all right. They hauled out some fine wheat last fall. Stock's better than the usual run, and they've the finest light horses I've seen.
human
That's more in their line than farming, Davies replied.
gpt
You wouldn't call raising horses a business proposition just now?