A Man of the People - LightNovelsOnl.com
You're reading novel online at LightNovelsOnl.com. Please use the follow button to get notifications about your favorite novels and its latest chapters so you can come back anytime and won't miss anything.
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
