He told them. one.,

Manawatu Herald, 6 October 1892, Page 2

He told them. one. ,

Old Brown was ; noted for not telling the truth, if he oould avoid it. i arly one morning he- started for the market town on horseback, riding at a brisk pace, ' atad soon came up with two of his neighbours, who were working in the fields- hear the road. One of them immediately accosted him with " Hallpi Brown I can you tell us a lie this morning ?*' Brown stopped his horse,- ' and, assuming a very serious 'expression of countenance, replied, v I would, but poor old Adams died last night, and lamon my way to- G for a coffin ; and his folks told me to ask you A f you could not come over and help dig the grave." After making this remark, Brown whipped up his horse, and rode rapidly in the direction of C . The two neighbours immediately quitted their employ* ment, and started for their friend's house to render what assistance they could to the distressed family. But they were much, surprised upon their arrival to find the supposed corpse alive and at work, with no ambition to be laid in the (?rave. The two victims returned to their labour fully convinced that Brown had lost tione of his capacity for exaggeration.