Levi P. Morton, ex-vice-president, has been out of politics for some years, yet he is remembered as a man who could tell good stories to illustrate his points. Here is one of them:
“The General doubled on his tracks.”
“Not far from my country place is a farmer noted for his fine, large cattle. People come from everywhere to look at his Durhams and Alderneys, but they have to be careful how they venture into the pastures, for some of the bulls are ferocious. A certain major-general, who was very proud of his title, was visiting near by, and one day while walking he cut across the fields to shorten distance. Before he knew of his danger a big bull, bellowing and with tossing head, began to chase him. The general was a swift runner, and made good time, but the animal too was lively, so when the general reached a fence he dared not stop to climb for the bull was near enough to—well, help him. The general doubled on his tracks several times, but the bull kept dangerously near. Suddenly a gate offered a chance to shut off pursuit. Near the gate stood the farmer, who had been viewing the chase; the panting general turned on him fiercely and asked, between gasps:
“‘Sir—sir—did you—see your bull chasing—me?’
“‘Ya-as,’ drawled the farmer.
“‘Is that all you have to say, sir? Do you know whom that bull was chasing?’
“‘You, I guess.’
“‘But do you know who I am, sir? I am General Blank.’”
“‘Wa-all, why didn’t you tell that to the bull?’”