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into it, he came off victorious, and promptly received for his services five hundred dollars. A legal friend calling upon him the next morning found him sitting before a table, upon which his money was spread out, counting it over and over.
“Look here, Judge,” said he; “see what a heap of money I've got from the — case.
Did you ever see anything like it?
Why, I never had so much money in my life before, put it all together!”
Then crossing his arms upon the table, his manner sobering down, he added, “I have got just five hundred dollars: if it was only seven hundred and fifty, I would go directly and purchase a quarter section of land, and settle it upon my old step-mother.”
His friend said that if the deficiency was all he needed, he would loan him the amount, taking his note, to which Mr. Lincoln instantly acceded.
His friend then said: “Lincoln, I would not do just what you have indicated.
Your step-mother is getting old, and will not probably live many years.
I would settle the property upon her for her use during her lifetime, to revert to you upon her death.”
With much feeling, Mr. Lincoln replied: “I shall do no such thing.
It is a poor return, at the best, for all the good woman's devotion and fidelity to me, and there is not going to be any half-way business about it;” and so saying, he gathered up his money, and proceeded forthwith to carry his long-cherished purpose into execution.
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