"He didn't, now, I know! I heard Crawford spell it himself." "He did!" "Do you mean to tell me that I lie?" "You do--it don't need telling." "I won't be called a liar by anybody. I'll make you ache for that!" "We'll see about that. You may ache yourself before this thing is settled. I've got fists as well as you, and I will not take such words as that from anybody. Come on!" The two backwoods knights rushed toward each other with a wounded sense of honor in their hearts and with uplifted arms. Suddenly a form like a giant passed between them. It took one boy under one of its arms and the other under the other, and strode down the timber. "He called me a liar," said one of the boys. "I won't stand that from any _man_." "He _sassed_ me," said the other, "and I won't stand any sassin', not while my fists are alive." "_You_ wouldn't be called a liar," said the first. "Nor take any sassin'," said the second. The tall form in blue-jean shirt and leather breeches strode on, with the two boys under its arms. "I beg!" at last said one of the boys. "I beg!" said the other. "Then I'll let you go, and we'll all be friends again!" "Yes, Abraham, I'll give in, if he will." "I will. Let me go." The tall form dropped the two boys, and soon all was peace in the April-like air. "Abraham Lincoln will never allow any quarrels in our school," said another boy. "Where he is there has to be peace. It wouldn't be fair for him to use his strength so, only he's always right; and when strength is right it is all for the best." The boy had a rather clear perception of the true principles of human government. A will to do right and the power to enforce it, make nations great as well as character powerful. The eventful day came, with blue-birds in the glimmering timber, and a blue sky over all. People came from a distance to attend the examination, and were surprised to find the school-house changed into a green bower. [Illustration: ABRAHAM AS A PEACE-MAKER.]