This was early in 1867.

I was offered a large sum to write something for the "Sunday Mercury," and I answered with the tale of "Jim Wolf and the Cats." I also collected the money for it--twenty-five dollars.

It seemed over-pay, but I did not say anything about that, for I was not so scrupulous then as I am now.
A year or two later "Jim Wolf and the Cats" appeared in a Tennessee paper in a new dress--as to spelling; spelling borrowed from Artemus Ward.

The appropriator of the tale had a wide reputation in the West, and was exceedingly popular.

Deservedly so, I think.