human
Sit down, lad. I do not wonder at your feeling, nor would you at mine if you knew all. Under other circumstances we should have been the best of friends. It is impossible for me to be more explicit, and it hurts my pride as much to bid you go as yours to be sent. Some time--but no matter. What we have in hand is to arrange for your departure as speedily and comfortably as possible. I would suggest---- but his words had the force of a command--
gpt
Pierre need not go so far. Across the lake, to the mainland is enough. I can travel on foot afterward, and I know more about the forest now than when I lost myself and you, or Margot, found me. I owe my life to you. I am sorry I have given you pain. Sorry for many things.
human
There are few who have not something to regret; for anything that has happened here no apology is necessary. As for saving life, that was by God's will. Now--to business. You will see that I have reckoned your wages the same as Pierre's: thirty dollars a month and 'found,' as the farmers say, though it has been much more difficult to find him than you. You have been here nearly three months and eighty dollars is yours.
gpt
Eighty dollars! Whew! I mean, impossible. In the first place I haven't earned it; in the second, I couldn't take it from--from you--if I had. How could a man take money from one who had saved his life?
human
Easily, I hope, if he has common sense. You exaggerate the service we were able to do you, which we would have rendered to anybody. Your earnings will start you straight again. Take them, and oblige me by making no further objections.
gpt
Have I really, really, and justly earned all this? Do you surely mean it?
human
I am not in the habit of saying anything I do not mean. It is getting late, and if you are to go to-night, it would be better to start soon,
gpt
Beg pardon. But I'm always saying what I should not, or putting the right things backward. There are some affairs 'not mentioned in the bond': my artist's outfit, these clothes, boots, and other matters. I want to pay the cost of them. Indeed, I must. You must allow me, as you would any other man.