A Man of the People Part 38

[_Slowly sinking to a seat and covering his face with his hands in a cry of despair._]

Oh,--my G.o.d----!

LINCOLN

[_Bending in sorrowful amazement and touching_ VAUGHAN'S _head._]

Why,--what's the matter, my boy----? I'm the only man to despair.

You're just a Captain in the army. You have only to obey your superior officer. If to be the head of h.e.l.l is as hard as what I've had to undergo here, I could find it in my heart to pity Satan himself. And if there's a man outside of perdition who suffers more than I do, I pity him----!

VAUGHAN

[_Springing to his feet and throwing his hands up in anguish._]

You don't understand----! You don't understand----!

LINCOLN

Understand--what----?

VAUGHAN

[_Impetuously._]

When I lay in the hospital suffering from my wounds, I received the letter telling me of my father's imprisonment. I must have gone mad--for when you refused to-night to give him a trial--I started to--kill--you---- Oh, my G.o.d!

[_Breaks down._]

LINCOLN

To kill me----! You are the second man to try it. He'll get me the next time--I who envy the dead their rest!

[_Laughs._]

What a strange thing this life of ours!

[_Pauses._]

Why didn't you _do_ it----?

VAUGHAN

Because, for the first time you made me see things as they are, and I got a glimpse of the inside----

LINCOLN

[_Eagerly._]

Then, I won--didn't I----?

VAUGHAN

Yes--and I can never forgive myself the thought of harming you----!

LINCOLN

[_Ignoring his grief._]

If I've won _you_, I can win others, if I only get their ear and make them know as you know! All I need is a little time! And I'm going to fight for it now----

[_With quick uplift of spirit._]

I've told you the truth and the truth has turned a murderer into my friend! If only the people can know--can have time to think, I'll win--I'll win--! Look here--I've _won_ you now----?

VAUGHAN

[_Eagerly._]

Just give me a chance to prove it----!

[LINCOLN _studies_ VAUGHAN _thoughtfully._]

LINCOLN

You doubtless said many bitter things in Was.h.i.+ngton?

VAUGHAN

Many of them----

LINCOLN

Then, you were approached by the leaders of a Copperhead Secret Order called The Knights of the Golden Circle--were you not?

VAUGHAN

Yes----!

LINCOLN

I thought so----

[_Cautiously._]

You--joined the Order----?

VAUGHAN