The man who talked too much

"The Man Who Talked Too Much" by Roy Norton is a short story written in the early 20th century. This narrative takes place during a journey on a railway and a steamer, featuring two main characters, David and Goliath, who are miners and prospectors. The story revolves around their encounter with "Lucky" Cochran, a garrulous man who talks incessantly about his newfound wealth and past experiences, much to the annoyance of the two travelers. In this comedic tale, David and Goliath find themselves trying to escape the incessantly talkative Cochran, who insists on accompanying them during their travels. Despite their efforts to distance themselves, they inadvertently get drawn into a situation where they come to pity the overly trusting Cochran when he becomes the target of two con artists aboard the ship. Ultimately, the twist reveals that Cochran is actually a clever con artist himself, leaving David and Goliath to reflect on their assumptions about him and their own gullibility. The story cleverly plays with themes of communication, perception, and the irony of appearances.