HE DOORMAN

Why, how--how do ye mean?

BENJAMIN

Find out anything about his people--where he came from, where he's
going to--what he's doing in Richmond?

THE DOORMAN

Oh, no, sir! He's full of fun--he kept me laughin' most o' the time----

BENJAMIN

I see----!

[_Laughs._]

He knows his business. Show him in.

THE DOORMAN

Yes, sir----

[BENJAMIN _seats himself at one of the small tables at left and
examines his schedule for the day's work._ THE DOORMAN _opens the
door and shows_ VAUGHAN _in, dressed in Confederate uniform._
BENJAMIN _rises and greets him cordially._]

BENJAMIN

Good morning, young man----

[_Gives_ VAUGHAN _the Sign of the Knights of the Golden Circle._]

VAUGHAN

[_Returns Sign._]

Good morning, Mr. Benjamin--I hope you've rested well?

BENJAMIN

Not so well as usual--the truth is I've been wrestling all night with
the problem of Jacquess and Gilmore. I've confirmed your view that they
have given their real names. Gilmore _is_ a reporter of the New York
_Tribune_ and Colonel Jacquess is a Methodist clergyman well known in
the hospital service, in fact famous for his kindly treatment of
Southern prisoners----

VAUGHAN

Just as I told you----

BENJAMIN

I've allowed the Commissioner of Exchange who has been holding them in
custody to bring them here this morning----

VAUGHAN

Good!

BENJAMIN

Last night, I made up my mind to take your advice and to let them see
Mr. Davis----

VAUGHAN

I'm glad----

BENJAMIN

This morning I'm puzzling over it!

VAUGHAN

[_Showing his disappointment._]

Why----?

BENJAMIN

I agree with you that we could use the interview for our own purposes.
But the trouble is, Mr. Davis is soft-hearted sometimes. He may refuse
to take my advice. He may let these men go.

VAUGHAN

You surely can depend on his allowing you to hold them in Libby Prison
until after the election?

BENJAMIN

I'm not sure of it. If he