. 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.

Peacock
I'm delighted you approve my project. And you are a benefic