human
Ever see a gymnasier, Doc?
gpt
We got one here. There's a big spare room behind the shop. Kind of a store-room it was, and the Mercuries have fitted it up as a gymnasier and athletic club. Only they're dead ones and don't use it much no more. Got kind of a fall this afternoon, didn't you, Doc?
human
What makes you think that?
gpt
That eye you got. She'll be a beaut to-morrow--skin's broke too. A bit of nice raw beefsteak clapped on it right now would do the world and all for it.
human
Oh, it is of no consequence--
gpt
You think nothing about your body is consequence, Doc, that only your mind counts, and that's just where you make your mistake. Your body's got to carry your mind around, and if it lays down on you, what--
human
But I have no intention of letting my body lie down on me, as you put it, Mr. Klinker. My health is sound, my constitution--
gpt
Forget it, Doc. Can't I look at you and see with my own eyes? You're committing slow suicide by over-work. That's what it is.
human
As it happens, I am doing nothing of the sort. I have been working exactly this way for twelve years.
gpt
Then all the bigger is the overdue bill nature's got against you, and when she does hit you she'll hit to kill. Where'll your mind and your studies be when we've planted your body down under the sod?
human
I am obliged to you for that drink. It is rather remarkable--
gpt
Headache all gone, hey?
human
Almost entirely. I wish you would give me the name of the medicine. I will make a memorandum--
gpt
Nix,
human
Nix? Nux I have heard of, but ...
gpt
Hold on, laughed Klinker, as he saw Queed preparing to enter Nix in his note-book.
human
That ain't the name of it, and I ain't going to give it to you. Why, that slop only covers up the trouble, Doc--does more harm than good in the long run. You got to go deeper and take away the cause. Come back here and I'll show you your real medicine.
gpt
I'm afraid--
human
Aw, don't flash that open-faced clock of yours on me. That's your trouble, Doc--matching seconds against your studies. It won't take a minute, and you can catch it up eating supper faster if you feel you got to.