A Man of the People Part 48

It's no use, sir----

LINCOLN

We don't seem to have any luck, do we? My messenger should have reached Sherman! He must be there now. He must be there--he can't be lost!

[_Laughs forlornly._]

Two whole days I've listened to that thing click----

[_The_ OPERATOR _calls Atlanta, with a peculiar loud call._]

Is that the word Atlanta you're clicking off?

OPERATOR

Yes, sir--calling--over this wire we have a direct connection to-day.

The trouble is Sherman's old headquarters don't answer either.

LINCOLN

Call Atlanta again. Do it slowly. I want to learn it--Uncle Billy----

[_The_ OPERATOR _clicks off each letter in the Morse Code, spelling it slowly._]

Must be there by this time!

OPERATOR

A--T--L--A--N--T--A-- G--A-- Atlanta, Ga.

LINCOLN

Once more.

[_The_ OPERATOR _repeats the call and_ LINCOLN _follows it repeating after him._]

I want to catch that as quick as you do--when it comes!

[_Aside._]

Oh, my G.o.d, why don't it come!--Why don't it come!

[NICOLAY _enters._]

NICOLAY

The time's up. Raymond and his d.a.m.ned Committee are here, sir, and insist on your final answer at Once----

LINCOLN

Hold them back awhile. We're bound to hear something to-day. I promised them my decision this morning, I know--but I'm still full of foolish hopes.

NICOLAY

They are not foolish hopes,--Chief!

LINCOLN

This machine here seems to think they are. The darn fool thing will talk one way but won't chirp the other.

NICOLAY

What shall I tell them?

LINCOLN

[_Listening at the instrument._]

Anything--tell them a funny story!

[_Listening._]

They need a laugh--the bunch of undertakers! Waiting for me to deliver my corpse to them!--Restless, because I haven't given it up sooner!

[_The sharp click of the telegraph receiver catches his ear and he starts to the table._]

No--that wasn't it----

[_Turns again to_ NICOLAY.]

Tell them positively, I will see them within half an hour.

[NICOLAY _exits and_ LINCOLN _returns to his vigil by the telegraph table._]

How close can you get to Atlanta over the Chattanooga line----?

OPERATOR

Twenty miles out is the last station that answers and he don't know what's the matter with the line.

LINCOLN

Strange--we got closer than that yesterday--Sherman's on the move....

[BETTY _enters timidly._]

That's certain.