THE DOCTOR OUTWITTED.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1381, 19 July 1878, Page 3

THE DOCTOR OUTWITTED.

Lord Gullamore used to tell a story of a trial at quarter-sessions in Mayo, which developed some of the ingenious resources of Paddy when he chooses to exercise bio talent in an endeavor not to pay. A doctor had summoned a man for the sum of one guinea, due for attendance on the man’s wife. The medico proved his case, and was about to retire triumphant, when the defendant humbly begged leave to ask him a few questions. Permission was granted, and the following dialogue took place : Defendant—Docthor, you remember when I called on you ? Doctor—l do. Defendant—What did 1 say P Doctor—You said your wife was sick, and you wished me to go and see her. Defendant—Wtiat did you say. Doctor —I said I would, if you’d pay me mv fee.

Defendant, —What did I sny ? Doctor —You said you’d pay the fee, if so be you knew what it was. Defendant —What did you say? Doctor —I said I’d take the guinea at first, and maybe more at the end, according to the sickness.

Defendant—Now, docthor, by vartue of your oath, did’nt I sav, ‘ Kill or cure, doctho r , I’ll give you a guinea?’ And didn’t you say, ‘ Kill or cure, I’ll take it ? Doctor—You did, and I agreed to the bargain. And I want the guinea accordingly. Defendant—Now, docthor, by vartue of your oath answer this, ‘ Did you cure my wife ? ’

Doctor—No, she’s dead. You know that. Defendant—Then, docthor, by vartue of your oath answer this: * Did you kill my wife ? ’

Doctor—No, she died of her illness. Defendant (to the Bench) —Your Worship, see this. You heard him tell our bargain. It was to kill or cure. By vartue of his oath, he done neither ! and he axes the fee! The verdict however went against poor Pat, notwithstanding his ingenuity. — Chambers.