Many years ago, when cholera was rife in Ireland, it seemed to defy the skill of the faculty to such a degree that the panic-stricken people believed the doctors poisoned the patients; and in some instances they threatened to pull down the hospitals. During the while, a physician was applied to very urgently by the brother of a cholera patient to make a visit at the dead hour of the night, and at considerable distance from his residence. Being unable to attend, he carefully prepared and gave the messenger medicines suited to the emergency, and dispatched him, with the injunction to inform him if his brother was not relieved by morning, and he would call.
A few days afterwards he met the brother-messenger in the street, and the following conversation occurred:—
" Well, John, how is Pat?"
