CURT. Quite satisfied, and you may tell your dealer so.
CAPTAIN. His goods are always prime quality——
ALICE. [To CURT] At second-rate prices, and you have to pay the difference.
CAPTAIN. What did you say, Alice?
ALICE. I? Nothing!
CAPTAIN. Well, when this quarantine station was about to be established, I had in mind applying for the position—and so I made a study of quarantine methods.
ALICE. [To CURT] Now he's lying!
CAPTAIN. [Boastfully] And I did not share the antiquated ideas concerning disinfection which were then accepted by the government. For I placed myself on the side of the Neptunists —so called because they emphasise the use of water——
CURT. Beg your pardon, but I remember distinctly that it was I who preached water, and you fire, at that time.
CAPTAIN. I? Nonsense!