wed him to the door. He waited a long time in silence, shook his
head and turned away. He had almost reached the door when suddenly the
operator sprang to his feet livid with excitement:

"Wait--Mr. President!--It's come--my God, it's here!"

Every operator was on his feet listening in breathless excitement to the
click of that Southern wire.

The President had rushed back to the table.

"It's for you, sir!"

"Read it then--out with it as you take it!" he cried.

"Atlanta, Georgia, September 3rd, 1864."

"Glory to God!" the President shouted.

"Atlanta is ours and fairly won. W. T. Sherman."

"O my soul, lift up thy head!" the sorrowful lips shouted. "Unto thee, O
God, we give all the praise now and forever more!"

He seated himself and quickly wrote his thanks and congratulations:

"EXECUTIVE MANSION,
"WASHINGTON, D. C.
"September 3, 1864.

"The National thanks are rendered by the President to Major General
W. T. Sherman and the gallant officers and soldiers of his command
before Atlanta, for the distinguished ability and perseverance
displayed in the campaign in Georgia, which under Divine favor has
resulted in the capture of Atlanta. The marches, battles and sieges
that have signalized this campaign must render it famous in the
annals of war, and have entitled you to the applause and thanks of
the Nation.

"ABRAHAM LINCOLN,
"_President of the United States_."

His sombre eyes flamed with a new light. He took the copy of his message
from Sherman and started to the White House with long, swift strides.

Betty greeted him outside with tearful joy still mixed with deep
anxiety.

"You have no word from him, of course?"

"Not yet, child, but it will come--cheer up--it's sure to come. You see
that he reached Atlanta and delivered my message!"

"We are not sure. The city may have fallen, anyhow----"

"Yes, yes, but it didn't just fall, anyhow. Sherman took it. He got my
message. I know it. I felt it flash through the air from his soul to
mine!"

His faith and enthusiasm were contagious and Betty returned home with
new hope.

In half an hour the Committee who were waiting for his resignation from
the National Republican ticket filed into his office to receive as they
supposed his final surrender.

The Chairman rose with doleful countenance:

"Since leaving you, Mr. Pr