But he never forgave Lincoln for thus "nipping" his great speech "in the bud." Mr.Wickizer gives a story which illustrates the off-hand readiness of Lincoln's wit.

"In the court at Bloomington Mr.Lincoln was engaged in a case of no great importance; but the attorney on the other side, Mr.S., a young lawyer of fine abilities, was always very sensitive about being beaten, and in this case he manifested unusual zeal and interest.

The case lasted until late at night, when it was finally submitted to the jury.

Mr.S.spent a sleepless night in anxiety, and early next morning learned, to his great chagrin, that he had lost the case.

Mr.Lincoln met him at the court-house and asked him what had become of his case.
With lugubrious countenance and melancholy tone, Mr.S.said, 'It's gone to hell!' 'Oh, well!' replied Lincoln, 'Never mind,--you can try it again there!'" Lincoln was always ready to join in a laugh at his own expense, and used to tell the following story with intense enjoyment: "In the days when I used to be 'on the circuit' I was accosted in the cars by a stranger who said, 'Excuse me, sir, but I have an article in my possession which belongs to you.' 'How is that ?' I asked, considerably astonished.