like a child.”  Armstrong’s friends rushed to his aid, and for a moment it looked as if Lincoln would be routed by sheer force of numbers; but he held his own so bravely that the “boys,” in spite of their sympathies, were filled with admiration.  What bid fair to be a general fight ended in a general hand-shake, even Jack Armstrong declaring that Lincoln was the “best fellow who ever broke into the camp.”  From that day, at the cock-fights and horse-races, which were their common sports, he became the chosen umpire; and when the entertainment broke up in a row—­a not uncommon occurrence—­he acted the peacemaker without suffering the peacemaker’s usual fate.  Such was his reputation with the “Clary’s Grove Boys,” after three months in New Salem, that when the fall muster came off he was elected captain.

[Illustration:  Nancy green.

Nancy Green was the wife of “Squire” Bowling Green.  Her maiden name was Nancy Potter.  She was born in North Carolina in 1797, and married Bowling Green in 1818.  She removed with him to New Salem in 1820, and lived in that vicinity until her death in 1864.  Lincoln was a constant visitor in Nancy Green’s home.]

Lincoln showed soon that if he was unwilling to indulge in “woolling and pulling” for amusement, he did not object to it in a case of honor.  A man came into the store one day who used profane language in the presence of ladies.  Lincoln asked him to stop; but the man persisted, swearing that nobody should prevent his saying what he wanted to.  The women gone, the man began to abuse Lincoln so hotly that the latter finally said, coolly:  “Well, if you must be whipped, I suppose I might as well whip you as any other man;” and going outdoors with the fellow, he threw him on the ground, and rubbed smartweed in his eyes until he bellowed for mercy.  New Salem’s sense of chivalry was touched, and enthusiasm over Lincoln increased.

[Illustration:  Dutch Oven

From a photograph made for this Magazine.

Owned by Mrs. Ott, of Petersburg, Illinois.  These Dutch ovens were in many cases the only cooking utensils used by the early settlers.  The meat, vegetable, or bread was put into the pot, which was then placed in a bed of coals, and coals heaped on the lid.]

His honesty excited no less admiration.  Two incidents seem to have particularly impressed the community.  Having discovered on one occasion that he had taken six and one-quarter cents too much from a customer, he walked three miles that evening, after his store was closed, to return the money.  Again, he weighed out a half-pound of tea, as he supposed.  It was night, and this was the last thing he did before closing up.  On entering in the morning he discovered a four-ounce weight on the scales.  He saw his mistake, and closing up shop, hurried off to deliver the remainder of the tea.

[Illustration:  Lincoln in 1858.