“Wal, young man,” said he, “who be you lookin' for here?”
“For Mr. Lincoln,” said Stephen.
At this the gentleman sat down on the dirty top step; and gave vent to quiet but annoying laughter.
“I reckon you come to the wrong place.”
“I was told this was his office,” said Stephen, with some heat.
“Whar be you from?” said the citizen, with interest.
“I don't see what that has to do with it,” answered our friend.
“Wal,” said the citizen, critically, “if you was from Philadelphy or Boston, you might stand acquitted.”
Stephen was on the point of claiming Boston, but wisely hesitated.
“I'm from St. Louis, with a message for Mr. Lincoln,” he replied.