Jack. I've to satisfy my conscience, Elsie. Elsie. The poor thing needs a lot of nourishment. (_Enter Austin and Edmund._) Don't stint it. Austin. Good morning, Metherell. Elsie, we've to talk business. Elsie. Mayn't I stay? Men are so funny when they're serious. Austin (_holding door_). You would find no entertainment this time. Elsie (_passing him_). That's all you know about it. (_Exit Elsie._) Austin. Sit down, Metherell. Oh, this is my brother, Mr. Edmund Whitworth. Edmund (_shaking_). I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Mr. Metherell. (_They sit down, Austin commanding, the room from the club-fender._) Austin. Very busy that train we came home by last night, Metherell. Jack. Yes, very full. Austin. I couldn't get a chance of talking to you. Now, it's about this match to-day. Jack. Yes? Austin. You know how tremendously important it is for Blackton. Jack. Blackton _'_ull be a second division team next season. Austin. I hope not, Metherell. Jack (_without arrogance_). With me playing against them? Austin. I still hope not. Blackton must not lose today. Jack. I don't see how they can help it. Edmund. You've a good opinion of yourself, I notice, Mr. Metherell. Jack. Blackton Rovers without me aren't a team at all. They're certain to be beaten. Austin. You say that as if you don't mind if they are. Jack. I belong to Birchester now, Mr. Whitworth. Austin. Come, Metherell, you've belonged to Birchester for half a day. You belonged to Blackton for five years. This match can make no difference to Birchester. They're half way up the list. It's critical for Blackton. You've played all these years for Blackton and you've thought Blackton all your life. You can't change your allegiance all in a moment. You can't pretend you'd like to see Blackton go down. Jack. Oh, I've a fondness for Blackton. I don't deny it. Austin. Metherell, Blackton must win to-day. Jack. They might have done if you hadn't transferred me. Austin. My hand was forced. Jack. So you told me. Austin. At heart you're still a Blackton man, Metherell. Jack. Maybe. But at Football I've signed on to play with Birchester. I may be just as sorry as yourself to see Blackton go down to-day, but as centre forward of Birchester United it's my bounden duty to do my best to send the Rovers down. Austin. Look here, Metherell, you see the hole I'm in. What am I to do? Jack. I've no suggestions. Austin. What about the referee? Jack. Eh? Austin. Anything to be done there? Jack. I don't understand. Austin. Could I square him? Jack. Not unless you want to see him lynched. Austin. Then you're the only hope. Jack. It's a poor hope if you're looking for anything of that from me. Austin. I'm asking you to be loyal to Blackton for another day. Jack. Were you loyal when you transferred me? Austin. Yes: loyal to Blackton's very existence. Don't play your best this afternoon. That's all I ask. Jack. I always play my best.