cutting up logs and putting up stockades and cabins for the wet
weather. Joining one group he chatted freely with the woodmen and as
one of themselves. Presently, he asked for the loan of an ax. The man
hesitating, since his blade had just been fine-edged, he explained
that he was one of the Jacks and "used to be good on the chop." Then
seizing the arm with familiarity he attacked a big log and, using it
as a broad-ax, shaped the rough-hewn sides till it was a perfect slab.
He handed back the tool and stalked off amid cheers.


* * * * *


A MAN WHO CAN SCRATCH HIS SHINS WITHOUT STOOPING.

One of the want-to-knows had the impertinence to inquire of Mr.
Lincoln his opinion of General Sheridan, not yet known, who had come
out of the West early in 1864, to take command of the cavalry under
General Grant as lieutenant-general.

"Have you not seen Sheridan?" The answer was in the negative. "Then I
will tell you just what kind of a chap he is: One of those _long_-armed
fellows, with _short_ legs, that can scratch their shins without
having to stoop over to do it!"


* * * * *


STRUCK BY THE DEAD HAND.