human
Well, boys, what's the best word?
gpt
I don't know as there is any best word, Mr. Norcross,
human
I was over to Bill Stiger's place and thought if I could see you to-night about the rent money, it would save you a three miles' trip to-morrow.
gpt
You know we can't pay you just at present, Mr. Norcross, went on Earl.
human
The suspension of the lumber company has left us in the lurch.
gpt
How much did they stick you for?
human
Two hundred dollars.
gpt
Two hundred dollars! You were fools to trust 'em that much. I wouldn't have trusted 'em a cent--not a penny.
human
They were well recommended, put in Randy.
gpt
Even Squire Dobson trusted them.
human
That don't make no difference. I don't trust folks unless I know what I'm doing. Although I did trust you boys, added Caleb Norcross, hastily.
gpt
Your father was always a straight man.
human
And we are straight, too, burst out Randy, stung by the insinuation.
gpt
You shall have your money, if only you will give us a little time.
human
How are you going to get it?
gpt
We'll earn it, said Earl.
human
I am sure we can get out enough timber by fall to square accounts.
gpt
That won't do for me--not at all. If you can't pay up to-morrow, you can consider your claim on the land at an end.
human
You won't give us any time?
gpt
No. I can sell this whole section to Dan Roland, and I'm going to do it.
human
You are very hard-hearted, Mr. Norcross,
gpt
I ain't hard-hearted--I'm only looking after my own, growled Caleb Norcross.
human
If I let things run, I'd do as the lumber company did--bust up. So you can't pay, nohow?
gpt
No, we can't pay,
human
Then I'll expect you to quit by to-morrow noon.