TRICKING A FAMOUS SURGEON.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 6, Issue 292, 13 July 1917, Page 1 (Supplement)

TRICKING A FAMOUS SURGEON.

Sir Morel Mackenzie once received a wire from Antwerp asking him his charges for a certain operation. He replied £SOO, and was told to come at once. When he stepped upon the dock he was met by three men in mourning, who informed him sadly that he had come too late; the patient had died that morning. "But," said the spokesman of the party, "we know that you did what >ou could, and we do not intend tb.it you shall be o it of pocket a shilling. We shall pay you your full fee." And they did. "And now,'" said the man, "since you are here, what do you say to visiting the city liosnital and giving a clinic for the benefit of our local surgeons? It is not often we have an opportunity of benfiting by such science as yours." Sir Morel said he would gladly comply. He went to the hospital and performed many operations, among which were two of a similar nature to that for which be had heen called for. When he had finirhed all thanked him profusely. On the steamer going home he met a friend, who had a business house in Antwerp. "Pretty scurvy trick they played cn you. Sir Morel." "What do you mean?" asked the surgeon. "Told you the patient died before yo'i arrived, didn't they?" "Yes." "Lies. You operated on him and a friend with the same trouble at the clinic. Got two operations for one price."