HOBSON. You ask me to give up my reasonable refreshment!
DOCTOR. I forbid alcohol absolutely. (Starts writing.)
HOBSON. Much use your forbidding is. I've had my liquor for as long as I remember, and I'll have it to the end. If I'm to be beaten by beer I'll die fighting, and I'm none practising unnatural teetotalism for the sake of lengthening out my unalcoholic days. Life's got to be worth living before I'll live it.
DOCTOR (rising and taking hat again). If that's the way you talk, my services are of no use to you. (Moves down L.)
HOBSON. They're not. I'll pay you on the nail for this. (Rising and sorting money from pocket.)
DOCTOR. I congratulate you on the impulse, Mr. Hobson.
HOBSON. Nay, it's a fair deal, doctor. I've had value. You've been a tonic to me. When I got up I never thought to see the "Moonraker's" again, but I'm ready for my early morning draught this minute. (Holds out money.)
DOCTOR (putting hat down, moving to HOBSON and talking earnestly). Man, will ye no be warned? Ye pig-headed animal, alcohol is poison to ye, deadly, virulent with a system in the state yours is.
HOBSON. You're getting warm about it. Will you take your fee? (Holding out money.)
DOCTOR. Yes. When I've earned it. Put it in your pocket, Mr. Hobson. I hae na finished with ye yet.