This is an early Frank Stockton book, and a lovely old textured cover hardcover copy from 1886, and they are always a treat to spend some time with. I always love how a random title of a book completely unknown to me conjures up an idea of what it is about, subconsciously, and how totally wrong that subconscious idea often is! This was an occasionally rambling story of upper crust suitors wooing a lady, and a battle of will and wit over which should prevail. Taking place in Virginia, and not too long after the civil war, it of course shows black characters in a fashion which would certainly be unacceptable today, yet they were quite often treated with a bit more respect than some other books I've read of this period. Some fascinating quirky characters appear and the most startling thing that hit me about this is how challenging the simplest of situations were to handle over distances due to the inability to communicate as we do today in real time. It is a slightly humorous romp of sorts that i thoroughly enjoyed and a lovely surprise ending....and they always make me happy. ( )