takes a notion to let them go--he's as
stubborn as a mule.

VAUGHAN

All right--Let me be present at the interview and take notes. If Mr.
Davis makes an important declaration about peace and lets them go, I'll
beat them to the North and give _your_ version of the interview
first----!

BENJAMIN

[_Hesitating._]

I might do that--yes----!

VAUGHAN

I could not only head off any injury from their report, but I could
give it a twist that would make it a boomerang on Lincoln----

[BENJAMIN _hesitates while_ VAUGHAN _watches him breathlessly._]

BENJAMIN

[_Thinking._]

You could act as my special secretary for the meeting and take
shorthand notes--or pretend to----

VAUGHAN

I take shorthand. I've been a reporter in Washington----

BENJAMIN

Then it would be easy.

VAUGHAN

No matter what is said, I can make a report that will harden the
purpose of our Societies to swing the uprising on the night of the
election.

BENJAMIN

You are sure the order for the revolt against the Lincoln Government
has been issued?

VAUGHAN

Absolutely sure.

BENJAMIN

I know they have discussed it and may have decided to do it, but are
the actual preparations under way?

VAUGHAN

In every Lodge of the Knights of the Golden Circle, the command is now
on record. Our forces are being drilled. I have read the original
order with the signature of the Commander----

BENJAMIN

[_Elated._]

It's great news you've brought us, young man--great news!

[BENJAMIN _hesitates and_ VAUGHAN _watches him._]

All right, we'll risk it----!

[VAUGHAN _shows his secret joy and deep excitement._]

These men are Lincoln's spies beyond a doubt--but we'll dig out of them
all the information possible, and then use them for our purpose----

[THE DOORMAN _enters._]

THE DOORMAN

Judge Ould, the Commissioner of Exchange----

[OULD _enters._]

OULD

Our visitors are outside, Mr. Benjamin.

BENJAMIN

You understand, Judge Ould, that these men are prisoners of war in