JOHN (seeing Charlie). Thank God I'm in time.
CHARLIE (coldly). In time for what?
JOHN. To stop you. You've not spoken yet, have you?
CHARLIE. No, but you'll not stop me.
JOHN. Dr. Clavering, tell him he mustn't. You're his friend, he'll listen to you. Won't you help me to stop this folly?
CLAV. I can't, Mr. Bunting. You can't cork up Niagara.
JOHN (distractedly). Charlie, remember what this means to me. Jabez will have no mercy if you incite his men to rebel against him. Think of your father, my boy.
(Clavering with a shrug strolls to the hack and stands aloof.)
CHARLIE. I can't betray my principles even to save you, whatever other people can do when it suits their interests. (With a backward glance at Clavering, who smiles cynically.)
JOHN (pitiably). You're throwing away my life. I can't face the disgrace, Charlie.