Of course, it takes money, big wages, to get and hold them." "Money! What do I care for that if we build the canal?
How much more will it take?
How much will you need ?" "Say twenty thousand more." "Get out your pencil and begin figuring it." "I don't need a pencil," Carrigan answered.

"I haven't been moving dirt for fifty years without figures sticking to my hair.

I've digested your blue-prints and know what's to come out of the ground.
Now I'll tell you what it would be if there was no frost in the ground, as in summer--and we'll afterward allow for the frost; and what's necessary in men, horses, fresnos, shacks, horsefeed, food, clothes, and general supplies." And thereupon Carrigan began to pour forth a stream of data so exact, so comprehensive, so full, that Bryant listened in astonishment.

All carried in his head, ready for use! "I hope I know my business at your age as you know yours," Lee exclaimed.
"You will, or ought to.

I've paid for what I know in mistakes and miscalculated jobs, as does every man some time or other--paid in hard cash.