It's not your strong point, Ted. (_Both men laugh._) Well, what do you think, old fellow? I ought to have spoken to you before, of course. But somehow it seemed odd talking to another fellow about it. You know all about me. We are both a couple of poor devils. You're fighting the world with bones and bottles; I'm tackling it with a paint-brush. If I get licked, of course I shall clear out, but I shall daub a good deal better if I fancy I see Nelly waiting for me behind the canvas, and I may win. Come, you know I'll try to be good to her. What do you say? TED MORRIS. That it's the grandest bit of news I've heard, Jack, for many a long month. JACK MEDBURY. You don't mind? I mind a good deal, old man--I can't tell you how much--I'm glad--awfully glad. (_He puts both hands on Jack's shoulders._) Why, Jack, I feel as if I'd got a new heart in me. We'll put Nelly between us, old man, and face the world together--and, damn it all, we'll win! JACK MEDBURY. Brothers! TED MORRIS. Brothers! JACK MEDBURY. Thanks, old fellow, thanks. TED MORRIS. TED MORRIS. Jack! This demands a drink of some sort. Have you ever tackled methylated spirit? JACK MEDBURY. No, I've heard of people drinking it. They say you can't tell it from gin. TED MORRIS. Let's try it. It's the very best methylated, this brand. (_He goes up to cupboard and brings it down in two glasses. Jack at the same time gets water from window-sill, and brings it and fills glasses._) Shoulder to shoulder, old man. JACK MEDBURY. And our Nelly. (_A knock is heard at door. Both men pause and listen. Knock is repeated. They put their glasses down on table._) TED MORRIS. Come in. (_Theodore Travers enters. He is a man about twenty-five, but looks any age. He is well-dressed, well-groomed._) THEODORE TRAVERS. Good morning. Mr. Edward Morris, I believe? TED MORRIS. I--I don't think I have the pleasure of knowing you. THEODORE TRAVERS. Not hitherto. I have come on purpose to remove that reproach from you. I believe you have the distinction of being a cousin of mine. My name is Travers--Theodore Travers. JACK MEDBURY. What, _the_ Theodore Travers? The author? THEODORE TRAVERS. Well I know of no other. I rather think one of us is sufficient for this sized world. (_Turns aside and writes covertly on his cuff._) Books everywhere--microscope--smokes briar--shaves at intervals. TED MORRIS. Well, I'm very glad to see you, and I'm very glad to learn you're my cousin, though I don't quite understand how. THEODORE. TRAVERS.