author - "George Haven Putnam"

ed himself upon the confidence of his neighbours that, while hewas absolutely without resources, there was no difficulty in hisborrowing the money required for his share of the capital. Theundertaking did not prove a success. Lincoln had no business experienceand no particular business capacity, while his partner proved to beuntrustworthy. The partner decamped, leaving Lincoln to close up thebusiness and to take the responsibility for the joint indebtedness. Itwas seventeen years before Lincoln was able, from his modest earnings asa lawyer, to clear off this indebtedness. The debt became outlawed insix years' time but this could not affect Lincoln's sense of theobligation. After the failure of the business, Lincoln secured work ascounty surveyor. In this, he was following the example of hispredecessor Washington, with whose career as a surveyor the youngsterwho knew Weems's biography by heart, was of course familiar. His newoccupation took him through the county and brought him into personalrel