ham took hold of one arm, and putting his other hand under his shoulders, with the help of his companions, they raised him to his feet, and set him, or rather laid him, on his horse. One of the number led the animal, while the others held the drunken

man on.

"He don't know what a good ride he's having," said one of the boys, laughing.

“And so he'll never thank us for it," added another.

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"I don't think it's any laughing matter," responded Abraham. "If it was your father, you would n't feel much like joking."

"That's a fact," said David, who was wont to take a correct view of things. "The man is to be pitied, after all."

"His horse deserves an extra peck of oats for waitin' for him," suggested Daniel. "He's used to it, I s'pose."

They took him to Dale's house, and found the family in bed. Mr. Dale had been to the houseraising, but returned before the boys did.

The family were aroused, and made acquainted with the affair, and a rousing fire was built, before which he was laid.

“I'm afraid he 's badly frozen," said Dale. The man was insensible.

"So am I," replied Abraham; "and I will stay and help you take care of him through the night."

"I think you better. By the looks of him, shall want somebody to help."

"Then I'll stay, boys," continued Abraham, "if you'll go round on your way back and let mother know where I am. Tell her I'll be along early in the morning."

The boys agreed to do this, and left, conversing on their way about the affair, and remarking upon the kindness and generosity of Abraham. The merciful offer of the latter to stay and take care of the man was only a fair, illustration of his general good feelings. His benevolent heart felt for the needy and suffering. It was unusual for a youth to exhibit so much true tenderness for the unfortunate and distressed as he did. The neighbors observed it, and commented upon it. This was one of the traits of character that made him a favorite with all who knew him. He was unselfish, disinterested, and self-sacrificing. He would cheerfully forego a night's rest to help the intemperate man. He thought more of the drunkard's safety than he did of his own ease. And there are many of his personal acquaintances in our land who will bear witness that, from that day to this, this amiable quality of heart has won him admiring friends.

We need say no more of this affair, than that Myers rallied from his insensibility during the night, and early the next morning he started homeward. Abraham was satisfied with the night's labor.

We must not omit to mention that about this time Abraham's sister was married to a young man in the neighborhood, and one year after the nuptials were celebrated she died, rolling another great wave of sorrow over her brother's heart.

There remains but one other event of his life in Indiana that we shall narrate, and this occurred just after the heavy loss experienced by the death of his sister. It relates to that brief portion of his life that was devoted to flat-boating.

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WHA

XVII.

TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS.

HAT say you, Abe, about takin' a flat-boat to New Orleans for me?" inquired a man whom we shall call Peters, as he met Abraham when he was on the way to see his father upon the subject.

"I don't know," answered Abraham, rather at a loss to know whether his interrogator was in earnest

or not.

"I'm not joking, Abe; I have a quantity of stores that I am going to forward to New Orleans, and I thought you and John might take a flat-boat there. What say you to a bargain?”

"I should like to go, if we can do it," answered Abraham. "Is John used to the business?" John was Mr. Peters's eldest son.

"About the same that you are. But I thought that both of you together might manage to make the trip."

The fact was, that Mr. Peters had entire confidence in Abraham's tact at doing things, as well as in his fidelity, so that he would feel safer to give up

the management of the boat to him rather than to his son. As he always did everything well, Mr. Peters expected that he would do this well, — a very good premise from which to derive such a conclusion.

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"I am ready to undertake it, if father is willing," continued Abraham. "Perhaps he will be afraid to have me go."

"I rather think not. I will see him, if you are disposed to go."

"Well, I am disposed to go."

"And it will suit John fust-rate to have you go.' "How long before you will want to have us start?” "Just as soon as I can get ready; I should say, within two weeks.'

"I can go then as well as any time," said Abraham.

"I'm going to see your father now."

Mr. Peters proceeded to have an interview with Mr. Lincoln, and Abraham went with him.

"How long will they be gone?" inquired Mr. Lincoln.

"That depends on circumstances."

"Rather venturesome for such young fellers," said Mr. Lincoln.

"And many hardships, too," remarked his mother. "And not a little pleasure, I expect," responded Abraham, looking as if he coveted the berth.

"Flat-boatmen see hard times," continued Mr.

Lincoln.