CLAV. Oh, rot, man. You're drunk with words.
CHARLIE (laughing bitterly). You're defending your last ditch now. You can't refute me; you can only revile, and the average coalheaver could give you points at that.
CLAV. That doesn't get us much further.
CHARLIE. Well, it doesn't matter much. After all, you're only one more against me, and I'm not afraid. Nothing can stand in my path to-night. I didn't feel the need for you. I can do without your speaking, Dr. Clavering.
CLAV. Oh, I'm going to speak. Mr. Thompson asked me to speak.
CHARLIE. (Controlling himself visibly). What are you going to say?
CLAV. I've to tell them I'm appointed medical officer at the works. That means free doctoring for the men. (Cynically.) They didn't often pay me anyhow, but it's officially free now instead of being a private benevolence of mine.
CHARLIE. Yes, he's bought you by the respirator and made you his creature by offering you a salary; (Bitterly.) And I thought you were an honest man!
CLAV. (quietly). I've got to look after myself like everybody else.
(Enter John r., palpably agitated and panting.)