"It matters not," you cried when you answered the Question, "it matters not which way the Supreme Court may hereafter decide as to the abstract question whether slavery may or may not go into a territory under the Constitution. The people have the lawful means to introduce or to exclude it as they please, for the reason that slavery cannot exist a day or an hour anywhere unless it is supported by local police regulations." Judge Douglas, uneasy will you lie to-night, for you have uttered the Freeport Heresy. It only remains to be told how Stephen Brice, coming to the Brewster House after the debate, found Mr. Lincoln. On his knee, in transports of delight, was a small boy, and Mr. Lincoln was serenely playing on the child's Jew's-harp. Standing beside him was a proud father who had dragged his son across two counties in a farm wagon, and who was to return on the morrow to enter this event in the family Bible. In a corner of the room were several impatient gentlemen of influence who wished to talk about the Question. But when he saw Stephen, Mr. Lincoln looked up with a smile of welcome that is still, and ever will be, remembered and cherished. "Tell Judge Whipple that I have attended to that little matter, Steve," he said. "Why, Mr. Lincoln," he exclaimed, "you have had no time." "I have taken the time," Mr. Lincoln replied, "and I think that I am well repaid. Steve," said he, "unless I'm mightily mistaken, you know a little more than you did yesterday." "Yes, sir! I do," said Stephen. "Come, Steve," said Mr. Lincoln, "be honest. Didn't you feel sorry for me last night?" Stephen flushed scarlet. "I never shall again, sir," he said. The wonderful smile, so ready to come and go, flickered and went out. In its stead on the strange face was ineffable sadness,--the sadness of the world's tragedies, of Stephen stoned, of Christ crucified. "Pray God that you may feel sorry for me again," he said. Awed, the child on his lap was still. The politician had left the room. Mr. Lincoln had kept Stephen's hand in his own. "I have hopes of you, Stephen," he said. "Do not forget me."