Everywhere people began to wonder if Lincoln wasn't
the man to keep the United States together. From the
big towns in the East important men traveled to see
him and asked if he would be willing to let the people
vote for him as President. Abraham Lincoln thought it
over for a long time. It was so friendly and peaceful on
the prairie in Illinois.

But all over the North people cried: "We want Honest
Old Abe." And at last he said yes.

Late one evening Lincoln got the message that he had
been elected President of the United States. He went
home to his wife, and said: "Mary, we are elected."
And Mary rejoiced. Her dream had come true.

Abe sold his horse and buggy and cow, and made
ready to leave his home. And he grew a beard on
his chin. He knew he wasn't handsome, and he thought
a beard might make him look nicer.

On a drizzling morning he tied up his trunks. Then he
went to the train at the station. He looked at the dear
and homey faces of his prairie friends who had come to
bid him good-by. He was sad that he had to go, but
the people of his country had called him.

"I bid you all an affectionate farewell," said Lincoln.
"Farewell, farewell," cried all his friends.

And with his wife and his boys Abraham Lincoln trav-
eled to the White House in Washington.