WRESTLING WITH THE COUNTY CHAMPION
The other three started on foot to reach their several homes in Illinois. Abe improved the opportunity to visit his father's family in Coles County, where Thomas Lincoln had removed as soon as he was able to leave their first Illinois home near Decatur.
Abe's reputation as a wrestler had preceded him and the Coles County Champion, Daniel Needham, came and challenged the tall visitor to a friendly contest. Young Lincoln laughingly accepted and threw Needham twice. The crestfallen wrestler's pride was deeply hurt, and he found it hard to give up beaten.
"Lincoln," said he, "you have thrown me twice, but you can't whip me."
Abe laughed again and replied:
"Needham, are you satisfied that I can throw you? If you are not, and must be convinced through a thrashing, I will do that, too—for your sake!"
CHAPTER X
Clerking and Working
HE COULD "MAKE A FEW RABBIT TRACKS"