Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 November 1900 — Cheaper than a Funeral. [ARTICLE]

Cheaper than a Funeral.

A well-known North Dakota magistrate tells the following story, for the truth of which he vouches: At a small town Ln the State there were two doctors, one of whom had a great reputar tlon for the cures be effected, and the other w-as not believed to be “much good.” The favored doctor found his services in great request, but, as payment was not always forthcoming, he made a rule that a certain class of fils patients should pay in advance. One winter’s night he was roused by two farmers from a hamlet ten miles away, the wife of one of whom was seriously 111. He told them to go to the other doctor, but they refused, saying they would prefer his services. “Very weM,” replied the medico, “Ln that case my fee is $lO, the money to be paid now.” The men remonstrated, but the doctor was obdurate, and«hut down his window. He waited, however, to bear What they would say. “Well, what will we do now?” asked the farmer whose wife was ill. And the reply that was given must have been as gratifyInjfhs It was amusing to the listening doctor. It was: "I think you would better give it The funeral would cost you more.”