The session was over, his salary was all
drawn, the money all spent; he had no work, and did not know
where to turn to earn even a week's board. Butler bade him be of
good cheer, and, kind practical friend that he was, took him and
his belongings to his own home, keeping him there for a time as
his guest. His most intimate friend of those days, Joshua F.
Speed, tells us that soon after riding into the new capital on a
borrowed horse, with all his earthly possessions packed in a pair
of saddle-bags, Lincoln entered the store owned by Speed, the
saddle-bags over his arm, to ask the price of a single bed with
its necessary coverings and pillows. His question being answered,
he remarked that very likely that was cheap enough, but, small as
the price was, he was unable to pay it; adding that if Speed was
willing to credit him until Christmas, and his experiment as a
lawyer proved a success, he would pay then. "If I fail in this,"
he said sadly, "I do not know that I can ever pay you." Speed
thought he had never seen such a sorrowful face. He suggested
that
instead of going into debt, Lincoln might share his own roomy
quarters over the store, assuring him that if he chose to accept
the offer, he would be very welcome. "Where is your room ?"
Lincoln asked quickly. "Upstairs," and the young merchant pointed
to a flight of winding steps leading from the store to the room
overhead.
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