The Wet Book

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States of America, would probably have been 11 or 12 years old at the time.

- Harbans Singh

He was resting a wet book on his knees near the fireplace to dry it. The book was soaking wet, but the wood's flames and heat burning below reached it.

The book had become like a pudding with the pages stuck together. It did not belong to him. It was someone else's, and he'd borrowed it. So, he had to dry it.

Abraham's elder sister, Sarah, who was just two years older, was confused. "Abe! What're you doing? Please, explain it to me!"

"Sister!" said Abe holding the book closer to the flames.

"I borrowed this book, The Biography of Washington, from Mr Crawford, the farmer, to read and read as much as I could on the way. At home, I kept reading until the candle burned out. Then I put it in my room between two window bars so I could read more in the morning."

Sarah completed the story, "And the terrible storm and rain last night resulted in this disaster!"

Abe stared at his sister for a while and then smiled at her with a great effort.

"It's futile!" Sarah said, holding her younger brother's chin. "The farmer won't take this back."

Abe nodded and started drying the next page. Its print was still intact and it had not spread in the moisture.

Sarah consoled him, saying, "You can relax for a week at least. He won't be back before then to ask for the book. But after that, you must think of something!"

Abe kept drying the book, lost in thought. "Keep the book on the cot. Have your breakfast. I've made an omelette, bread, and coffee for you," Sarah said, nudging her brother to get up.