THE NUMBER NINE AS A TALE 

 VARNISHER. 



r I ^HE number nine is apparently the 

 X numeral of hyperbole. It is used in 

 the place of a lesser numeral in a careless 

 way to fill gaps in the memory of the 

 story-teller, and it is also employed inten- 

 tionally for impressive effect. 



Curiously enough the use of the num- 

 ber nine for purposes of exaggeration has 

 been employed since early days in history. 

 One's attention having been attracted to 

 the subject, it is a source of surprise to 

 observe to what frequent use the chosen 

 numeral is put. 



A boatman who takes me out on hunt- 

 ing and fishing excursions is in the habit of 

 using the number nine so often in speak- 

 ing of the numbers or weight of fish and 

 game that the listener soon perceives that 

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