ies_ VAUGHAN _thoughtfully._]

LINCOLN

You doubtless said many bitter things in Washington?

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

[_Hesitates._]

I joined, and I'm one of their officers----

LINCOLN

[_Carefully._]

Of their inner council?

VAUGHAN

Yes----

LINCOLN

You--know--all their signs and passwords?

VAUGHAN

Every one----

LINCOLN

[_With sudden deep excitement._]

Young man, you may have thought you came here to-night with murder in
your heart--but Almighty God sent you for a different purpose----!

VAUGHAN

What do you mean?

LINCOLN

You'll stand by me now, through thick and thin?

VAUGHAN

[_Passionately._]

I'd count it an honor to die for you----!

LINCOLN

Well, I'm going to ask you to do something harder than that for a man
of sensitive honor. These Copperhead traitors took advantage of your
illness and grief over your father to inveigle you into a scheme of
high treason----

VAUGHAN

What----!

LINCOLN

You believed their purpose to be patriotic--didn't you----?

VAUGHAN

Of course----

LINCOLN

[_Seizing_ BAKER'S _Report._]

This document from Baker's Office contains the original order of their
Chief for an uprising on the night of the election----

VAUGHAN

Uprising for what----?

LINCOLN

To overturn the Government, recognize the Confederacy, and divide the
Union----

VAUGHAN

Is it possible----!

LINCOLN

You know--after what has passed between us to-night--that I speak the
truth----

VAUGHAN