Lincoln Story Book, The

<h3>"IT OCCURS TO ME THAT I AM COMMANDER!"</h3> <p>To the prairie man the climate of Washington would be almost tropical. Nevertheless, it participates of American meteorological variability, as "Old Probability" would admit.</p> <p>One night, Lincoln, coming out of his rooms at the Executive Mansion to make his nocturnal round, finishing with the call for the latest despatches at garrison headquarters, noticed as the fierce gale shook him and scourged him with sleet, that a soldier was contending with the storm just outside the outer door.</p> <p>"Young man," said he, turning sharply to him, "you have got a cold job to-night. Step inside and guard there."</p> <p>The soldier stoutly contended--for the colloquy became an argument by Lincoln's delight in debate. He persisted that he was posted there by orders and must not budge save by a superior countermand.</p> <p>"Hold on, there!" cried Lincoln, pleased at the arguer supplying him with a decisive weapon; "it occurs to me that I am commander-in-chief! and so, I order you to go inside!" <br/> <br/> <br/></p> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />