''Abe'' Lincoln's Yarns and Stories - University of Macau Library

Yarns and Stories, by Alexander K. McClure 28was going to do, he had shouldered the trunk, was down stairs, and stridingout of the yard. Down the street he went fast as his long legs could carryhim, I trotting behind, drying my tears as I went. We reached the station intime. Mr. Lincoln put me on the train, kissed me good-bye, and told me tohave a good time. It was just like him."BOAT HAD TO STOP.Lincoln never failed to take part in all political campaigns in Illinois, as hisreputation as a speaker caused his services to be in great demand. As wasnatural, he was often the target at which many of the "Smart Alecks" of thatperiod shot their feeble bolts, but Lincoln was so ready with his answersthat few of them cared to engage him a second time.In one campaign Lincoln was frequently annoyed by a young man whoentertained the idea that he was a born orator. He had a loud voice, was fullof language, and so conceited that he could not understand why the peopledid not recognize and appreciate his abilities.This callow politician delighted in interrupting public speakers, and at lastLincoln determined to squelch him. One night while addressing a largemeeting at Springfield, the fellow became so offensive that "Abe" droppedthe threads of his speech and turned his attention to the tormentor."I don't object," said Lincoln, "to being interrupted with sensible questions,but I must say that my boisterous friend does not always make inquirieswhich properly come under that head. He says he is afflicted withheadaches, at which I don't wonder, as it is a well-known fact that natureabhors a vacuum, and takes her own way of demonstrating it."This noisy friend reminds me of a certain steamboat that used to run on theIllinois river. It was an energetic boat, was always busy. When they built it,however, they made one serious mistake, this error being in the relativesizes of the boiler and the whistle. The latter was usually busy, too, andpeople were aware that it was in existence.