THE ISTHMUS OF PANAMA. 



147 



a rear hut, and she would like to have me prescribe 

 for them, to which I readily assented, and at once 

 proceeded to see the patients, mistrusting instantly 

 the game, and deciding to practice accordingly. 

 Having ascertained that one of the invalids was in 

 the last stages of consumption, and that the other 

 was afflicted with inflammation of the lungs, I return- 

 ed to the presence of the handsome Sefiora, who im- 

 mediately inquired for the nature of the diseases, 

 and their remedies, to which I as promptly replied, 

 that my opinion and remedies would cost her ten 

 dollars. At this answer she affected great astonish- 

 ment, and refused to comply with my terms ; conse- 

 quently I left, and had proceeded about ten rods 

 without even looking back, when I heard the call of 

 Senor Medico ! and turning around, I discovered the 

 messengers who had first applied to me, and who to 

 this moment had kept out of sight, and of whom, I 

 am sorry to say, the fair mistress had denied any 

 knowledge. Finding that I was resolute in my de- 

 termination not to prescribe without the stipulated 

 fee, they finally counted out seven dollars and sixty 

 cents in franc pieces, and imploringly begged that I 

 would trust them for the balance necessary to make 

 ten dollars their currency, which was acceded to ; I 

 proceeded to prepare the necessary remedies, and 

 directing their administration, once more started 

 homeward, at the same time requesting them to send 

 to me on the next day, and I would furnish still fur- 

 ther means for the patients' relief. After dividing 

 the money with my comrades, and purchasing 



