But, even when you suspect a Westerner of a bald-faced lie, it's dangerous to express that opinion out loud.

For one thing, in a land where million-dollar cattle deals are often done with only a handshake, a man's reputation for honesty is his only credit card. Take that away, and you have almost destroyed him.

 That's why you'd better have your hand on your six-shooter if you plan on callin' a cowboy a liar.

Beyond that, castin' doubt on a tall tale may end with the doubter lookin' like a simple-minded fool.

The American West is a strange and challengin' land - often requirin' folks to do things beyond the range of normal human ability.

Some of the quietest cowhands have done things that would make your comic book superheroes look like wimps.

With just a few exceptions, everything you are about to read is absolutely true.

And if you can't sort out the fact from the fiction - well, I've got this bridge back in Brooklyn I'll sell you real cheap!