sir--"

"Impossible!"

Reagan watched the thin face of the Confederate Chieftain grow deadly
pale.

"If you wish to see General Johnston, Mr. President, you'll find him in
that red brick house on the right--"

Reagan pointed in the direction of the house.

The President looked at his friend a moment, a quizzical expression
relieving his anxiety.

"Of course--it's a joke, Reagan."

"It's true, sir!"

Davis shook his head:

"General Johnston is on the Chickahominy guarding the crossings. I sent
my aide with a dispatch to him last night."

"He hadn't returned when you left the office--"

"No--"

"I thought not. There can be no mistake, sir. I saw General Johnston and
his staff enter that house and establish his headquarters there--"

"Here in the suburbs of Richmond?"

"Right here, sir--"

Davis put spurs to his horse, and waved to his aide:

"Colonel Ives--come!"

Reagan turned and rode again into Hood's camp.

The President rode straight to Johnston's headquarters. He sprang to the
ground with a quick decisive leap.

The ceremony between the two men was scant. No words were wasted.

"You have moved your army into the suburbs of Richmond, General
Johnston?"

"I have--"

"Why?"

"I consider this better ground--"

"You have left no rear guard to contest McClellan's crossing?"

"No."

"May I ask why you chose to give up the defenses of such a river without
a blow?"

"My army was out of provisions--"

"They could have been rushed to you--"

"The ground near the Chickahominy is low and marshy. The water is bad--"

"And you have come to the very gates of the city?"

"Because the ground is dry, the water good, and we are near our
supplies--"

The President's lips trembled with rage.

"And McClellan can now plant his guns within six miles and his soldiers
hear our church bells on Sunday--"

"Possibly--"

The President's eye pierced his General.

"Richmond is to be surrendered without a battle?"

"That depends, sir, upon conditions--"

The Confederate Chief suddenly threw his thin hands above his head and
faced his stubborn sulking Commander.

"If you are not going to give battle, I'll appoint a man in your place
who will--"

Before Johnston could reply the President turned on his heel, waved to
Colonel Ives, mounted his horse and dashed into the city.

His Cabinet was called in hasty consultation with General Lee.

Davis turned to his counselors.

"Gentlemen, I have j