She was a great favourite
of mine."
"Well," observed I, "I have read something like that in Baron
Munchausen."
"Mr Simple," said the captain, turning on his elbow and looking me
severely in the face, "what do you mean to imply?"
"Oh, nothing, sir, but I have read a story of that kind."
"Most probably; the great art of invention is to found it upon facts.
There are some people who out of a mole-hill will make a mountain; and
facts and fiction become so blended nowadays, that even truth becomes a
matter of doubt."
"Very true, sir," replied I; and as he did not speak for some minutes, I
ventured to bring my Bible to his bedside, as if I was reading it to
myself.
"What are you reading, Peter?" said he.
"Only a chapter in the Bible, sir," said I. "Would you like that I
should read aloud?"
"Yes, I'm very fond of the Bible--it's the book of _truth_. Peter, read
me about Jacob, and his weathering Esau with a mess of pottage, and
obtaining his father's blessing." I could not help thinking it singular
that he should select a portion in which, for divine reasons, a lie was
crowned with success and reward.
When I had finished it, he asked me to read something more; I turned
over to the Acts of the Apostles, and commenced the chapter in which
Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead. When I had finished, he observed
very seriously, "That is a very good lesson for young people, Peter, and
points out that you never should swerve from the truth. Recollect, as
your motto, Peter, to 'tell truth and shame the devil.
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