"It was a Yankee invented that tale about your not being able to prevaricate, wasn't it, George?" asked Diogenes. Washington smiled acquiescence, and Doctor Johnson returned to Shakespeare. "I'd rather have a morning-glory vine than one of Shakespeare's autographs," said he. "They are far prettier, and quite as legible." "Mortals wouldn't," said Bonaparte. "What fools they be!" chuckled Johnson. At this point the canvas-back ducks were served, one whole shade of a bird for each guest. "Fall to, gentlemen," said Washington, gazing hungrily at his bird. "When canvas-back ducks are on the table conversation is not required of any one." "It is fortunate for us that we have so considerate a host," said Confucius, unfastening his robe and preparing to do justice to the fare set before him. "I have dined often, but never before with one who was willing to let me eat a bird like this in silence. Washington, here's to you. May your life be chequered with birthdays, and may ours be equally well supplied with feasts like this at your expense!" The toast was drained, and the diners fell to as requested. "They're great, aren't they?" whispered Bonaparte to Munchausen. "Well, rather," returned the Baron. "I don't see why the mortals don't erect a statue to the canvas-back." "Did anybody at this board ever have as much canvas-back duck as he could eat?" asked Doctor Johnson. "Yes," said the Baron. "I did. Once." "Oh, you!" sneered Ptolemy. "You've had everything." "Except the mumps," retorted Munchausen. "But, honestly, I did once have as much canvas-back duck as I could eat." "It must have cost you a million," said Bonaparte. "But even then they'd be cheap, especially to a man like yourself who could perform miracles. If I could have performed miracles with the ease which was so characteristic of all your efforts, I'd never have died at St. Helena." "What's the odds where you died?" said Doctor Johnson. "If it hadn't been at St. Helena it would have been somewhere else, and you'd have