Mentor Graham, the Scotch schoolmaster, dropped into the store because he soon discovered that, although the youth who had assisted him on election day had had no opportunity of going to school, he was far more advanced in general knowledge than any pupil in his school, and the fact that Abe Lincoln wanted to study grammar with him, and after a while higher branches, pleased him. Even Doctor Allen, the busiest and most conscientious Predestinarian in Sangamon County, cultivated the acquaintance of the Lincoln youth, and he soon discovered that the uncommon young fellow, who seemed to be everybody's friend, was not given to social drink, and this pleased Doctor Allen, who boldly preached that liquor was poison and stood for its total abstinence. The Clary Grove Boys visited the store, and when several of them happened in at the same time, the laughter and boisterous talk could be heard the length of New Salem. Ann Rutledge had not yet been at the new store. She had heard from it, however, through her brother Davy, two years younger than herself, and her half-grown sister, known as "Sis Rutledge," both having formed the acquaintance of Abe Lincoln and both having immediately become his staunch admirers. Ole Bar was in the store one afternoon when Davy came in. "Davy," Abe Lincoln said, "see here"; and putting three long fingers gently into his pocket he drew out a handful of tiny rabbits. "Their mother got killed. I put the poor little things in my pocket. Know anybody that will take care of them?" Ole Bar opened his good eye and listened. "Sure, Ann, she'll do it. Ann Rutledge takes care of blind cats, lame dogs, lousy calves, birds With broke wings, and all such things." Abe Lincoln had placed the rabbits carefully in his hat and handed it to Davy. "Want them back?" the boy questioned as he turned toward the door. "No--but hurry back with my hat. I'm goin' out with Kelsy while he fishes, and read about a Jew who wanted a pound of flesh." The expression on Ole Bar's small eye was one of concentrated disgust. "Men's not what they used to be," he observed, chewing violently. "I reckon not," Abe Lincoln observed. "These times they wear whiskers on their upper lip, and breeches buttoned up the fore, but I don't see as it's give them any more wits." Abe Lincoln did not answer this, but asked a question. "Who sings about these diggin's? It's some woman who has a way of her own."