One day a lawyer’s wife fell ill, and he went to get a doctor . The doctor willingly came to see the woman and to do what he could for her, but before he went into the house, he made a short stop . He knew that the lawyer was famous for not paying his bills, even if they were due( 正当的 ) . He therefore said to the man . “But if I save your wife, I am afraid you may not pay me . ” “Sir,” replied the lawyer . “Here I have $ 500,,whether you cure my wife or you kill her . I'll give you all this . ” The doctor was reassured and went into the house . When he reached the woman's bedside, it soon became clear to him that he could do little . She was seriously ill, and though he prescribed( 开药方 ) her medicine, she soon died . He told the lawyer he was very sorry, and then asked for the money which he had promised . “Did you kill my wife?”asked the lawyer . “Of course I didn't,” said the doctor . “Well! Did you cure my wife?” asked the man . “I'm afraid that was impossible,” replied the doctor . “Well, then since you neither killed my wife nor cured her, I have nothing to pay you . ”