Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>"NO HEAPING COALS OF FIRE ON THAT HEAD."</h3> <p>The wantonly cruel experiment of testing the sensitiveness in reptiles armored, passed into a proverb out West in pioneer times. Besides carving initials and dates on the shell of land tortoises, boys would fling the creatures against tree or rock to see it perish with its exposed and lacerated body, or literally place burning coals on the back. In such cases Lincoln, a boy in his teens, but a redoubtable young giant, would not only interfere vocally, but with his arms, if needed.</p> <p>"Don't terrapins have feelings?" he inquired.</p> <p>The torturer did not know the right answer, and, persisting in the treatment, had the shingle wrenched from his hand and the cinders stamped out, while the sufferer was allowed to go away.</p> <p>"Well, feelings or none, he won't be burned any more while I am around!"</p> <p>He did not always have to resort to force in his corrections, as he obtained the title of "Peacemaker" by other means, and the spell in his tongue, at that age. <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />