Mark Twain, the famous American writer known for his humorous stories, was also an avid outdoorsman. One year, he vacationed in the woods of Maine for three enjoyable weeks.
Upon returning home, he drove to the station with his luggage. After a porter loaded his bags onto the train, Twain settled into a comfortable seat in the smoking car. The car was initially empty, but soon another man entered and sat opposite him. Though Twain found the man's demeanor unpleasant, he politely greeted him to avoid rudeness. They began conversing about the weather and then about Maine.
The stranger remarked, "We have beautiful woods in Maine. It would be a pity to visit without seeing them. I suppose you've been in our woods?"
"Yes, I have," Twain replied. "I just spent three splendid weeks there. And let me tell you something: although fishing isn't allowed this season, I have two hundred pounds of beautiful fish packed in ice with my luggage on this train. I'm taking it home because I love to eat fish. May I ask who you are, sir?"
The stranger stared at Twain for a moment before answering, "I am a police officer. My duty is to catch those who hunt or fish out of season. And who are you?"
Twain was both surprised and alarmed. Thinking quickly, he responded, "Well, sir, I'll tell you. I am the man who tells the biggest lies in America."