Touch and Go Part 24

OLIVER. Why not? I believe so.

JOB ARTHUR. You ask him.

OLIVER. Do you think, Gerald, that if the men really wanted a whole, better way, you would agree with them?

GERALD. I want a better way myself--but not their way.

JOB ARTHUR. There, you see!

 

VOICES. Ah-h! look you!--That's him--that's him all over.

OLIVER. You want a better way,--but not his way: he wants a better way--but not your way. Why can't you both drop your buts, and simply say you want a better way, and believe yourselves and one another when you say it? Why can't you?

GERALD. Look here! I'm quite as tired of my way of life as you are of yours. If you make me believe you want something better, then I a.s.sure you I do: I want what you want. But Job Arthur Freer's not the man to lead you to anything better. You can tell what people want by the leaders they choose, do you see? You choose leaders whom I respect, and I'll respect you, do you see? As it is, I don't. And now I'm going.

VOICES. Who says?--Oh ay!--Who says goin'?

GERALD. Yes, I'm going. About this affair here we'll cry quits; no more said about it. About a new way of life, a better way all round--I tell you I want it and need it as much as ever you do. I don't care about money really. But I'm never going to be bullied.

VOICE. Who doesn't care about money?

GERALD. I don't. I think we ought to be able to alter the whole system--but not by bullying, not because one lot wants what the other has got.

VOICE. No, because you've got everything.

GERALD. Where's my coat? Now then, step out of the way. (They move towards the car.)

(Curtain.)