the lines and reach him before being arrested----!

VAUGHAN

I've a brother in General Lee's army--sir--for whom I've often been
mistaken before the war----

LINCOLN

That's great----!

VAUGHAN

He is an officer too--a First Lieutenant.

LINCOLN

Fine! Before you go, confer with Baker. He will give you the names of
our agents in Richmond and decide on your disguise. He will probably
put you in Confederate uniform and make out in your brother's name a
rebel leave of absence to use in an emergency. You are a Southern man.
Your accent is perfect. Your chances of success great. I want you to
leave within an hour----

[_He writes on two cards._]

VAUGHAN

In five minutes, if you wish----

LINCOLN

If you can get for Jacquess and Gilmore a hearing and they are allowed
to return and tell their story, all right--your work in Richmond is
done. But if they are imprisoned or executed, report this fact and Mr.
Davis' answer, and it will be _doubly_ effective--you understand----?

VAUGHAN

Perfectly, sir----

LINCOLN

That's your first job. Your next will be to get a special message
through from _inside the Confederacy_ to General Sherman, who is
laying siege to Atlanta.

[_Takes up telegram._]

This message from him, received this morning, says that he has as yet
been unable to locate and count up Hood's second line of defense which
he must fight in a flank movement. Take the train from Richmond to
Atlanta. Keep your eyes open every foot of the way. Find out from
inside, the position of this second line, and the number of regiments
holding it. Make no mistake about it. Break through to Sherman, and
report to him----

VAUGHAN

A tough job, sir--but I believe I can do it----

LINCOLN

That's the way to talk, my boy----! When you reach General Sherman, you
will deliver to him a verbal message--I'll give you a sign that will
identify you. This is the big thing I'm sending you to do. I could
telegraph my order direct to Sherman, but it would have to be filed in
the War Office, and might offend General Grant. As an officer, you
understand that----

VAUGHAN

Clearly, sir----