The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

Historical record from James Callow Folklore Archive.

Did you hear the story about big fat Vern? One night he was
out in the outhouse and he was so fat that he collapsed the
stool and fell down the hole. Before he knew it he was deep down
in the thick of it. You know, you really can't stay in that too
long because pretty soon it's going to get to you. Now this was
the night of the big County fair, so the only ones that were awake
were the ones that were half drunk. He really didn't know what to
do so he started yelling "Fire! Fire!" Soon they had a whole
slew of people over there and they dragged him out of the hole.
One of the fellows that was drinking asked fat Vern why he yelled
"Fire." And big fat Vern said, "How many people do you think
would have came if I yelled what I was really in?"

Where learned: MAINE

Date learned: 00001970S