The One Word He Had Learned
A tale-bearer came to the President with a plot against him and the government, which was a cock-and-bull without any adherence, and all superficial. Lincoln heard him out, but then sharply returned:
“There is one thing that I have learned, and that you have not. It is only one word: ‘Thorough!’” Then bringing his huge hand down on the table-desk, to emphasize his meaning, he repeated: “Thorough!”