"Next!"
"C-e-r-y——"
"Next!"
"C-e-r-r-i——"
"Next!"
"S-e-r-r——"
"Next!"
It was now Lincoln's time. He had been waiting coolly. All eyes were upon him as he slowly spelled, "S-e-r-a-p-h-i-m."
"Correct!" said Mentor Graham. "Abraham Lincoln is the champion speller of New Salem until his better proves himself."
There was an outburst of applause. Lincoln started to take his seat, but the master motioned to him to keep his place. The room grew quiet.