"In a way, I'd have been glad to take it; but I can't very well." "Your engagement at the little wild-cat mine is an obstacle?
After all, there are other engineers in Canada; I don't suppose your employers would suffer much inconvenience if you gave up the job." "There's a year yet to go, besides an understanding that I'd stay until we got down to the deep vein." "For very small pay?
Much less than you're now offered, and with no prospects ?" "My employers are straight people and pay me as much as they can afford.
They treat me well, though they're a small firm and the mine is not prospering.

In fact, I expect they'll have some trouble to hold out until we reach good ore." "The risk of their not holding out is rather a curious argument for your staying." Thirlwell was silent for a few moments, and his face was hard when he resumed: "I know something about the combine's methods--Masters, who's still with one of the companies Sir James bought up, writes to me.

I suppose one mustn't be too fastidious, but there are things the man who takes the post I'm offered will be expected to do; things I haven't done yet and mean to leave alone.

You have often to throw your scruples overboard when you pay big dividends." Allott chuckled.

"The combine does not pay big dividends.