You know, Stevens, you remind of an old farmer I knew in Illinois——
[The committee gather around Lincoln eager for the story, glancing at Stevens.]
Stevens
Go on, give 'em the joke. It's your funeral—not mine!
Lincoln
[Facing the committee.]
This old farmer raised the biggest hog ever seen in the county. He was so fat the news of his size spread over the country and people came from far and near to see this wonder in pork. A stranger came up one day and asked the farmer to see him. The old man said: "Wal I've got sech a animal an' he's the biggest one I ever seed. I'll say that. But so many folks are comin' here pesterin' me to look at him, I've decided to charge a shillin' a look." The stranger put his hand in his pocket, pulled out the money, paid the shilling, stared at the old man, turned and walked away. The farmer called after him—"Hi—there—ain't yer goin' ter see the hog?" "No"—the fellow answered—"I've seen you! I've got my money's worth."
[All laugh except Stevens. During the laugh Lincoln bends over the telegraph instrument—in low tones.]
How goes it, boy? How goes it?
[The Operator shakes his head.]