edy of the
crisis. He sat by his window for hours, his face a grey mask, his
sorrowful eyes turned within, the deep-cut lines furrowed into his
cheeks as though burned with red hot irons.

He was struggling desperately now to forestall the possible panic which
would follow defeat.

He had sent once more for McClellan and in painful silence, all others
excluded from the Executive Chamber, awaited his coming.

"You are doubtless aware, General," the President began, "that a defeat
at Gettysburg might involve the fall of the Capital and the
dismemberment of the Union?"

"I am, sir."

"First, I wish to speak to you with perfect frankness about some ugly
matters which have come to my ears--may I?"

The compelling blue eyes flashed and the General spoke with an accent of
impatience:

"Certainly."

"A number of Secret Societies have overspread the North and Northwest,
whose purpose is to end the war at once and on any terms. I have the
best of reasons for believing that the men back of these Orders are now
in touch with the Davis Government in Richmond. I am informed that a
coterie of these conspirators, a sort of governing board, have gotten
control or may get control of the organization of your Party. I have
heard the ugly rumor that they are counting on you----"

"Stop!" McClellan shouted.

The General sprang to his feet, the President rose and the two men
confronted each other in a moment of tense silence.

The compact figure of McClellan was trembling with rage--the tall man's
sombre eyes holding his with steady purpose.

"No man can couple the word treason with my name, sir!" the General
hissed.

"Have I done so?"

"You are insinuating it--and I demand a retraction!"

The President smiled genially:

"Then I apologize for my carelessness of expression. I have never
believed you a traitor to the Union."

"Thank you!"

"I don't believe it now, General. That's why I've sent for you."

"Then I suggest that you employ more caution in the use of words if this
conversation is to continue."

"Again I apologize, General, with admiration for your manner of meeting
the ugly subject. I'm glad you feel that way--and now if you will be
seated we can talk business."

McClellan resumed his seat with a frown and the President went on:

"I have sent for you to ask an amazing thing----"

"Hence the secrecy with which I am summoned?"

"Exactly. I'm going to ask you to take my place and save the Union."

McC