They pay me for it in money. You've got another way of making your
living. Your patients are whoever you happen to meet. I mightn't like
your way of doing, and you mightn't like mine. That's a matter of
opinion, or, perhaps, of education. You've got your risks to run, and
I've got mine. If I cut too deep and kill a man they can shut me
up--just as they can if you get into trouble. But I don't think we ought
to mix up the proceeds. You wouldn't want me to give you this
five-dollar Bill--and I held up a note a patient had just paid me--'and
therefore I don't see how I ought to take one of your pins. I may not
have made it plain to you--but it strikes me that way.'
"'Then you ain't mad 'cause I brought 'em?'--and he looked at me
searchingly from under his dark eyebrows, his lips firmly set.
"'No, I'm very grateful to you for wanting to give them to me--only I
don't see my way clear to take them.'
"He settled back on the sofa and began twirling his hat with his hand.
Then he rose from his seat, a shade of disappointment on his face, and
said, slowly:
"'Well, "Doc," ain't there something else I can do for you? Man like you
must have _something_ you want--something you can't get without
somebody's help.
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