A Fair Price

A wealthy businessman begins to choke on a fish bone at a restaurant. Fortunately, a doctor is seated at the next table and jumps up to remove the bone, saving the man's life.

As soon as the fellow has calmed himself and can talk again, he thanks the surgeon profusely and offers to pay him for his services.

"Just name the fee," he croaks gratefully.

"OK," replies the doctor. "How about half of what you'd have offered when the bone was still stuck in your throat?"