f the group of great Celt-American editors, which included Medill,
McCullagh and McLean.

"ABE" LINCOLN'S YARNS AND STORIES.

LINCOLN ASKED TO BE SHOT.

Lincoln was, naturally enough, much surprised one day, when a man of
rather forbidding countenance drew a revolver and thrust the weapon
almost into his face. In such circumstances "Abe" at once concluded that
any attempt at debate or argument was a waste of time and words.

"What seems to be the matter?" inquired Lincoln with all the calmness
and self-possession he could muster.

"Well," replied the stranger, who did not appear at all excited, "some
years ago I swore an oath that if I ever came across an uglier man than
myself I'd shoot him on the spot."

A feeling of relief evidently took possession of Lincoln at this
rejoinder, as the expression upon his countenance lost all suggestion of
anxiety.

"Shoot me," he said to the stranger; "for if I am an uglier man than you
I don't want to live."

TIME LOST DIDN'T COUNT.

Thurlow Weed, the veteran journalist and politician, once related how,
when he was opposing the claims of Montgomery Blair, who aspired to a
Cabinet appointment, that Mr. Lincoln inquired of Mr. Weed whom he would
recommend, "Henry Winter Davis," was the response.

"David Davis, I see, has been posting you up on this question," retorted
Lincoln. "He has Davis on the brain. I think Maryland must be a good
State to move from."

The President then told a story of a witness in court in a neighboring
county, who, on being asked his age, replied, "Sixty." Being satisfied
he was much older the question was repeated, and on receiving the same
answer the court admonished the witness, saying, "The court knows you to
be much older than sixty."

"Oh, I understand now," was the rejoinder, "you're thinking of those ten
years I spent on the eastern share of Maryland; that was so much time
lost, and didn't count."

Blair was made Postmaster-General.

NO VICES, NO VIRTUES.

Lincoln always took great pleasure in relating this yarn:

Riding at one time in a stage with an old Kentuckian who was returning
from Missouri, Lincoln excited the old gentleman's surprise by refusing
to accept either of tobacco or French brandy.

When they separated that afternoon--the Kentuckian to take another stage
bound for Louisville--he shook hands warmly with Lincoln, and said,
good-humoredly:

"See here, stranger, you're a clever but strange c