Georgiansilver's story recalls
Witchs Money
Written in 1940 when we were just climbing out of the Great Depression, it must have packed quite a wallop at the time. It is still very funny IMO.

One might also mention the partners in a country tavern in old-time Russia who drove to town & started back with a barrel of vodka for their business. Strictly business, they warned each other. But the way was long and the night was cold, and one said to the other, "Here is a kopek. Sell me a shot out of your half of the barrel." Well, business is business -- he can't refuse a paying customer. So now *he* has a kopek in his pocket, and -- you get the idea. By the time the horses find their way home, the partners have agreed that business has never been better.