Rensselaer Republican, Volume 13, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 February 1881 — Combe and the Liars. [ARTICLE]

Combe and the Liars.

While George (‘onibc was preparing his work on moral philosophy he lost no opportunity study human nature in its intmlfold phases. It is related of him that on one occasion he had gathered three notorious liars into company for the punxise of seeing how they would take it, and what answer they would give if he should request them to tel) each one a lie for his l*enefit. He told them frankly that he was writing a work on human nature ami thespringof human action, ami he was curious to see how big a lie a man could tell when he tried. “Now look you,” said he: “to the man of you who shall tell me the greatest, tin* most barefaced lie, I will give a half-i'rown.” Said the first man: “Yer honor, I can’t do it. I never told a lie in my lify,” Said the second: ’ “Riess you soul, sir! I don’t know no more how to tell a lie than a nursin’ infant!” While the third capped the climax thus: “Well, seein’ as how’tmy two companions have told yer honor only the solemn truth, I don’t: see as I’ve got anything to do, only to hold my tongue.” Combe awarded the prize to the last sjieaker.— New York Leader.