The E. G. Wha' d'ye mean? 'founded 'perrinence! Lemme 'lone ... 'portant bishniss!
Cabman. Pay me my fare,—or I'll have your bag!
[Seizes bag; the Elderly Gentleman resisting feebly, and always smiling.
Crowd. Why can't yer pay the man his fare and have done with it? There, he's feeling in his pockets—he's going to pay yer now!
[Elderly Gentleman dives vaguely in a pocket, and eventually produces a threepenny bit, which he tenders magnificently.
Cabman. Thruppence ain't no good to me—two shillings is what I want out o' you—a florin—'j'ear me?
The E. G. (after another dive fishes up three halfpence). Thash all you're 'titled, to—go 'way, go 'way!
Crowd (soothingly to Cabman). 'E'll make it up in time—don't 'urry 'im.
Cabman. D' ye think I kin stand 'ere cooling my 'eels, while he's payin' me a 'apn'y every 'arf 'our? I've got my living to earn same as you 'ave!
Crowd. Ah, he's right there! (Persuasively to Elderly Gentleman.) 'Ere, Ole Guv'nor, fork out like a man!