One morning when Lawyer Lincoln was walking from his house to the
state-house, at Springfield, he spied a child weeping at a gate. The
girl had been promised a trip by the railroad-cars for the first time;
all was arranged for her to meet another little companion and travel
with her, but she was detained from getting out for the station, as no
one was about to carry her trunk. She drew the conclusion that she must
lose her train, and she burst into fresh tears.
The box in question was a toy casket proportionate to her size. Lincoln
smiled, and that almost dismissed her tears if not her fears. They were
immediately dispelled, however, by his cheerily crying out:
"Is that all? Pooh-pooh! Dry your eyes and step out."
He reached over the fence and lifted clear across to him the trunk. He
raised it on his shoulder with the other hand, crossing as a corn-bag
is carried. He grabbed her by the hand just as the tooting of the train
whistle was heard in the mid-distance. So half-lugging her, the pair
hurried along to the depot, reaching it as the cars rolled in and
pulled up.
He put her on the car, kissed her, and cheered her off with:
"Now, have a real good time with your auntie!"
Always wanting to relieve somebody of a burden, you see!
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