THE EVENTS OF A NIGHT The Pike County man was the first to fall asleep.

Joe and Mr.
Bickford lay about a rod distant from him.

When their new comrade's regular breathing, assured Joe that he was asleep, he said: "Mr.Bickford, what do you think of this man who has joined us ?" "I think he's the biggest liar I ever set eyes on," said Joshua bluntly.
"Then you don't believe his stories ?" "No--do you ?" "I believe them as much as that yarn of yours about your Cousin Bill," returned Joe, laughing.
"I wanted to give him as good as he sent.

I didn't want him to do all the lyin'." "And you a deacon's son!" exclaimed Joe, in comic expostulation.
"I don't know what the old man would have said if he'd heard me, or Cousin Bill, either." "Then one part is true--you have a Cousin Bill ?" "That isn't the only part that's true; he did help me and dad hayin'." "But his head is still safe on his shoulders ?" "I hope so." "I don't think we can find as much truth in the story of our friend over yonder." "Nor I.

If there was a prize offered for tall lyin' I guess he'd stand a good chance to get it." "Do you know, Joshua, fire-eater as he is, I suspect that he is a coward." "You do ?" "Yes, and I have a mind to put him to the test." "How will you do it ?" "One day an old hunter came into my restaurant, and kept coming for a week.