"Consumption is caused by germs, I've heard.

But germs take hold best in a weakened part of the body, and your lungs, Alf, are weak enough for any germ to find a good place to lodge.

What you've got to do is to make your lungs so strong that they'll resist germs." "You talk like a doctor!" "No; I'm trying to talk like an athlete.

I used to be a half-way amateur athlete, Drew, and I'm still taking care of my body.
That's why I've never allowed any white-papered little 'coffin-nails' to fool around me.

Bad as your lungs are, Alf, they're not one whit worse than your nerves.