f the pardon._]

THE SISTER

[_Joyfully._]

Mein brudder he vill go back und he vill be von goot poy for you,
Meester Presiden----

LINCOLN

Yes, I know he will, my child, I know he will. Good-by, and God bless
you.

THE SISTER

Und God bless you, Meester Presiden----!

[NICOLAY _pauses at the door and gives orders to the doorman._]

NICOLAY

Edward, take her to the War Office with this message----

EDWARD

Yes, sir----

CONGRESSMAN

I demand to see the President at once----

NICOLAY

I can't admit you, Mr. Congressman, just now----

CONGRESSMAN

[_Forcing his way in._]

I demand it, sir----

[LINCOLN _crosses to the door._]

LINCOLN

What is it, John----

CONGRESSMAN

Mr. President, I have been here three times! I demand the right to see
you--to ask the pardon of one of my constituents.

LINCOLN

All right! Out with it!

CONGRESSMAN

He is one of the solid citizens of Massachusetts; a slave trader whose
ship has been confiscated. He has spent five years in prison, and
cannot pay the heavy fine in money imposed---- He is not a bad man at
heart.

LINCOLN

And he wants _me_ to pardon him--this slave-trader----!

CONGRESSMAN

I ask it as a matter of justice--he has paid the penalty--five long
years in prison----

LINCOLN

[_Laughs._]

I might pardon a murderer from old Massachusetts, she's done glorious
service in this war--but a man who can make a business of going to
Africa and robbing her of helpless men, women and children and selling
them into bondage----!

[_He pauses and stiffens._]

--before that man can have liberty by any act of mine, he can stay in
jail and rot!

NICOLAY

[_To the Congressman._]

Now, you've got it----!

CONGRESSMAN

[_Crestfallen._]

Yes--I heard it----

LINCOLN

[_Turning back to his desk, and examining his papers._]

Good---- Bring in the next one, John!

[_As_ NICOLAY _exit