Page:The ransom of Red Chief and other O. Henry stories for boys.djvu/93

Rh been. I don't practice medicine. But, to save your life, I'll give you the psychic treatment if you'll agree as mayor not to push the license question.'

Of course I will,' says he. 'And now get to work, Doc, for them pains are coming on again.'

My fee will be $250, cure guaranteed in two treatments,' says I.

All right,' says the Mayor. 'I'll pay it. I guess my life's worth that much.'

"I sat down by the bed and looked him straight in the eye.

Now,' says I, 'get your mind off the disease. You ain't sick. You haven't got a heart or a clavicle or a funny bone or brains or anything. You haven't got any pain. Declare error. Now you feel the pain that you didn't have leaving, don't you?'

I do feel some little better, Doc,' says the Mayor, 'darned if I don't. Now state a few lies about my not having this swelling in my left side, and I think I could be propped up and have some sausage and buckwheat cakes.'

"I made a few passes with my hands.

Now,' says I, 'the inflammation's gone. The right lobe of the perihelion has subsided.