"You've heard of Pike, hain't you ?" "I don't know as I have," said Mr.Bickford.
The stranger frowned.
"You must have been born in the woods not to have heard of Pike County," he said.

"The smartest fighters come from Pike.

I kin whip my weight in wildcats, am a match for a dozen Indians to onst, and can tackle a lion without flinchin'." "Sho!" said Joshua, considerably impressed.
"Won't you stop and rest with us ?" said Joe politely.
"I reckon I will," said the Pike man, getting off his beast.

"You don't happen to have a bottle of whisky with you, strangers ?" "No," said Joe.
The newcomer looked disappointed.
"I wish you had," said he.

"I feel as dry as a tinder-box.