A lady who had a real estate claim which she desired prosecuted once
called on Lincoln and wished him to take up her case. She left the
claim in his hands, together with a check for two hundred dollars as a
retaining fee. Lincoln told her to call the next day, and meanwhile he
would examine her claim.
Upon presenting herself the next day the lady was informed that he had
examined the case carefully, and told her frankly that she had no valid
or legal grounds on which to base her claim. He therefore could not
advise her to institute legal proceedings. The lady was satisfied, and
thanking him, rose to leave.
“Wait,” said Lincoln, at the same time fumbling in his vest pocket, “here
is the check you left with me.”
“But, Mr. Lincoln, I think you have earned that,” replied the lady.
“No, no,” he responded, handing it back to her, “that would not be right.
I can’t take pay for doing my duty.”--From Lincoln’s Stories, by J. B.
McClure.