It was never pleasant
to meet a man under the influence of liquor in the presence of ladies.
They had taken but a few steps along the little path when the quick firm
military tread of the President was heard.
They turned just in time to see him encounter the toiling trooper from
North Carolina.
The soldier's jaw suddenly dropped and his eyes kindled with joy. He
stood squarely in the President's way and laughed good naturedly.
"Say--Mister!"
"Well, sir?"
"Say--now--ain't yo' name Jeff'son Davis?"
The President nodded in a friendly way.
"It is."
"I knowed it," the trooper laughed. "By Gum, I knowed it, the minute I
laid my eyes on ye--"
He moved closer with insinuating joy.
"I bet ye could never guess how I knowed it--could ye?"
"Hardly--"
"Ye want me ter tell ye?" The trooper laughed again. "I knowed ye the
very minute I seed ye--'cause ye look thez ezactly like a Confederate
postage stamp! I know 'em 'cause I've licked 'em!"
The President laughed and passed on his way without looking back.
They found a crowd of cranks and inventors waiting to see him. He had
the same weakness as Abraham Lincoln for this class of men. He never
allowed a clerk to turn one way without his personal attention.
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