Peacock Not at all. A good doctor pursues his calling without any regard to a bad result. Otherwise, teaching in medical school might be called into question and where would we be then? Flem That's another matter. Peacock I never deviate from established practice. Flem You do wisely. Peacock Well now, let's talk of the business I brought you here for. You know I've always regarded you as my best friend. Flem You are right to do so. I have been a friend of your family for many years. It was I who furnished the drugs during your father's last illness. Peacock I thank you for it. Ever since I've written my prescriptions only for you. Flem Oh! For that, yes. Peacock Moreover, I've had you get rid of inexpensive, useless drugs. And whenever I write a prescription, I never forget to write it for five or six grains more than the patient needs. Flem And I always put in seven or eight grains less than you prescribe. That way I save the life of the patient and your reputation. Peacock Consider the way we work together. I prescribe imaginary medicines found only in your apothecary shop. I praise their healthfulness, their propriety, and your skill in blending drugs. Flem And for my part, I never miss a chance to praise you. I speak of your miraculous cures--which, in truth, I've seen very few of. Peacock Thus, we help one another. Flem And, I tell all the patients who come to me about you, praise you to the skies, and belittle or disparage all other doctors without exception. Peacock We do everything that a doctor and a pharmacist can do for each other. We work in perfect harmony. And, to further our friendship, I am going to tell you about a little investment I have made. I've taken out a ten thousand pound Tontine on him. Flem Flem You? (puzzled) Why? Peacock (supercilously) You know what a Tontine is, of course? Flem Certainly, a Tontine is--a Tontine is--(helplessly) What the devil is a Tontine? Peacock (smugly triumphant) It's a last man out club. The survivor gets all the money from all the policies. Flem That's clever. So if you die-- Peacock (slightly exasperated) The policy's not on my life--but on that of a peasant of sixty who you wouldn't take to be forty. He's the father of one of my servants. He's in unusually good shape. Flem Well? Peacock I've taken out this policy on him and he's agreed to make me a beneficiary in return for free medical care. Flem That's a clever idea. Peacock A fellow like that, in my hands, will become immortal. Flem Sooner than later. Peacock Suppose that he only lives, say one hundred years. Flem All right, one hundred years. Peacock Isn't it certain, that in fifteen or twenty years, he'll be the only person in his group? Flem In all likelihood. Peacock Five years later, he'll be the only one. Therefore, I'll receive all the money for twenty years. Flem The reasoning is clear. You've put your money to good use.