Jabez. By chance? Then what the devil were you driving at with my time and my chemicals?
Charlie. I hoped to find some means of accomplishing what we do here by less dangerous methods to let a little health into the work. I saw strong workmen brought to these works in the prime of life and health, and in a few years turned away, broken, worn-out invalids. I worked to find a way out.
Charlie. I quite agree. (_Rises and paces up and down._) Yes, fool, fool, fool. Fool as much as if I'd sought the philosopher's stone or the elixir of life. I did seek the elixir of life, and I will go on seeking it--life for those helpless hundreds driven by the need to live to certain death. Let me go on. Let me hope; but do not ask me to assist in getting orders for our deadly production. Every contract you sign your name to is the death-warrant of a workman. (_Sitting on arm of sofa._)
Jabez. Have a little common sense, man. You're seeing things to-night. This accident's got on your nerves. (_Rises._) After all, I think you had better go home. We'll talk this over another time. I haven't lost my temper yet and I don't want to. (_Putting his hand on Charlie's shoulder._) Come now, admit that you're not quite yourself.
Charlie. You treat me like a child. Having been naughty, I'm sent to bed to sleep oft my tantrums.
Jabez. And I'm the ogre in the fairy story who makes bread of people's bones, eh, Charlie? Yes, you'll laugh at this to-morrow. Really, you've been making an awful ass of yourself. You _'_ll see things in a better perspective in the morning.
Charlie (_bitterly_). With myself as a respectable member of the governing classes, I suppose, with nice clean hands and a dirty conscience.
Jabez. For Heaven's sake, Charlie, drop that silly twaddle. We've had enough of your platform manner for one night. You talk like a Hyde Park orator, only they're paid to make fools of themselves and you're not.
Charlie. (_Pulling himself together_) No. Let's have this out. I didn't begin it, but now we've gone so far I must know where we stand.
Jabez. You're not fit for it. But it's as you like. (_Sits l. of table._)
Charlie. I do like. Now, Mr. Thompson, it's understood that I meant what I said. You must let me continue my laboratory work. I still hope to find less dangerous methods. I may also drop across a few more novelties for you to exploit. But I definitely decline to have a hand in coercing my fellow creatures to do the work as it is done at present, or in procuring orders necessitating such work.