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.”