"Why, Mr. President, are you sick?" queried the visitor.
"Oh, nothing much," replied Mr. Lincoln, "but the physician says he fears the worst."
"What worst, may I ask?"
"Smallpox," was the answer; "but you needn't be scared. I'm only in the first stages now."
The visitor grabbed his hat, sprang from his chair, and without a word bolted for the door.
"Don't be in a hurry," said the President placidly; "sit down and talk awhile."
"Thank you, sir; I'll call again," shouted the Westerner, as he disappeared through the opening in the wall.
"Now, that's the way with people," the President said, when relating the story afterward. "When I can't give them what they want, they're dissatisfied, and say harsh things about me; but when I've something to give to everybody they scamper off."