In keeping with his proneness to jest at his own expense rather than
lose a laugh, Lincoln is credited with telling the following story upon
himself:
"In the days when I used to be on the circuit (law), I was accosted on
the road by a stranger. He said: 'Excuse me, sir, but I have an article
in my possession which belongs to you.' 'How is that?' I asked,
considerably astonished.
"The stranger took a 'Barlow' from his pocket.
"'This knife,' said he, 'was placed in my hands some years ago with the
injunction of the community, through its bearer, that I was to keep it
until I struck a man homelier than I. I have carried it from that time
till this. Allow me to say, sir, that you are fairly entitled to the
testimonial.'"
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