An American, a Scot, and a Canadian were involved in a terrible automobile accident. An ambulance sped them to the emergency ward of the nearest hospital, but they were pronounced dead on arrival.

Just as the orderlies were about to put the toe tag on the American, he stirred and opened his eyes. Astonished, the doctors and nurses who were present asked him what happened.

“Well,” said the American, “I remember the crash, and then there was a beautiful light, and then the Canadian and the Scot and I were standing before the Gates of Heaven. St. Peter approached us and informed us that we were all too young to die, and that for a donation of $50 each, we could return to earth.”

“So, of course, I pulled out my wallet and gave him a $50 bill, and the next thing I knew I was back here.”

“That's amazing!” exclaimed one of the doctors. “But what happened to the other two?”

“Last I saw of them,” replied the American, “the Scot was haggling with St. Peter over the cost, and the Canadian was waiting for Medicare to pay for his.”