Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>THE PRIZE FOR HOMELINESS.</h3> <p>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:</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>"The stranger took a 'Barlow' from his pocket.</p> <p>"'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.'" <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />