Deception is a key element in "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County," appearing in several forms. In the first paragraph, Mark Twain, the story's narrator, suspects he has been duped by a friend who set up an "accidental" meeting with Simon Wheeler. His friend advised him to inquire about a childhood acquaintance named Leonidas Smiley, knowing full well that Twain would instead hear exaggerated stories about Jim Smiley, a well-known gambler from Angel's Camp. The friend was also aware that Twain would find the entire situation tiresome and annoying. Simon Wheeler further deceives Twain by telling the outlandish tale of Jim Smiley instead of Leonidas Smiley, all while maintaining a serious tone that hides the true humor of his story. By keeping up this pretense, Wheeler initially tricks the sophisticated Easterner into expecting a genuine account. Another instance of deception occurs when Jim Smiley makes a bet with the Stranger, who claims Dan'l Webster is not the best jumper in Calaveras County. The Stranger not only feigns ignorance to deceive Jim Smiley but also cheats by secretly filling Dan'l Webster with gunshot to weigh him down.