CHARLIE. You're wrong. Everybody's not as mercenary as you. You've got so used to expressing every idea in terms of L.S.D. that you can't understand a man's doing anything from higher motives than money.
JABEZ. Look here, Charlie, where do you think I'd be if I took up every notion that every crank brings along to me? The men are insured, aren't they?
CHARLIE. Yes, and a bad bargain the insurance people have of it.
JABEZ. Then what do the fellows want with safety devices? They get their compensation. The business won't stand more expense, Charlie. You'd know that if you'd done as I wished and taken an interest in the management. Goodness knows it's hard enough to get profits as it is.
CHARLIE. Then don't try. Close down.
JABEZ. And throw the men out of work? Fine remedy that 'ud be. They'd thank me for that, wouldn't they? (After a slight pause, rising.) That doctor's got to be muzzled though.
CHARLIE. You can't muzzle a man. You can only muzzle dogs.
JABEZ. Can't I? I'll bet you I get him to suppress that book if it's really dangerous. I'll have a look at it in a moment. And I'll tell you something more, my lad. If I catch you meddling with the men, I'll make your father sit up for it.
CHARLIE. I shall address the men to-night. Jabez. I don't think you will. Look here, John, you'd better try again. See if you can't make a better job of it than you did last night, and I'll sign the cheque in the morning. If not—— (John makes a gesture of appeal to Charlie.)
CHARLIE. It's no good, father.