In the nearest town to the Lincolns lived a man called "Captain"
Larkins. He was short and fat, and consequently "puffing." He was
logically fond of "blowing." For example, if he bought any object, he
would proclaim that it was the best article of its sort in the
settlement. His favorite orating-ground--in fact, the only theater for
displays was the front of the village store, where, among the farmers
who came in to dicker and purchase stores, he would dilate. Lincoln did
not like the pompous little fellow whose rotund and diminutive figure
was in glaring contrast to his own--a young man, but colossal, while
his stature was augmented by his meagerness.
"Gentlemen," bawled Larkins, "I have the best horse in the county! I
ran him three miles in two-forty each and he never fetched a long
breath!"
"H'm!" interrupted Lincoln, looking down at the man panting with
excitement; "why don't you tell us how many short breaths _you_ drew?"
* * * * *