A Man of the People Part 51

I'm not going to cry again--but I just want to ask _one_ question--you won't mind?

LINCOLN

As many as you like!

BETTY

He--he--had to enter Atlanta a spy, didn't he?

[_Sobs and catches herself._]

LINCOLN

Yes--of course----

BETTY

Well, if he should be captured--could--they execute him without our knowing it?

LINCOLN

They might--but he's a very bright young man! He'll be too smart for them----

BETTY

[_Hopelessly._]

I don't know--I don't know----!

LINCOLN

Now listen--! I'm going to tell you something--I _know_! I've a sort of second sight that tells me things sometimes, my dear. After the battle of Gettysburg I saw General Daniel E. Sickles in the hospital. They told me that he was mortally wounded and could not possibly live. _I_ told General Sickles that he _would_ live and get well, and he did! I saw his living body that day at work in health and strength as plainly as I see you! We have not heard from Captain Vaughan yet, but it will _come_--! He has reached Atlanta. The General got my message. I know that. I felt it flash through the air from his soul to mine! I can see you and your lover at this moment seated side by side smiling and happy----

BETTY

[_In awe._]

You--see--this----!

LINCOLN

[_In dreamy tones._]

As plainly as I see the sunlight dancing on the leaves outside that window now----

[STANTON _enters and_ LINCOLN _turns to meet him eagerly._]

STANTON

You've no news?

LINCOLN

I sent for you, to ask that----

STANTON

Nothing----

LINCOLN

[_In low tones._]

What does it mean?

STANTON

A storm swept Atlanta yesterday--the wires may be all down----

LINCOLN

You think that's it----?

STANTON

No--I don't.

LINCOLN

Neither do I----

STANTON

Something big has happened! Sherman has either taken Atlanta or Hood has cut his communications and his army may be imperiled.

LINCOLN

[_His head droops._]

That's what I think too--G.o.d help us!

[_The sharp click of the telegraph instrument causes him to start quickly, cross to the table and listen. The committee headed by_ RAYMOND _and_ STEVENS _crowd through the door against the protests of_ NICOLAY.]

NICOLAY

I promised you an answer in half an hour, gentleman!--you must wait.

RAYMOND