-

[_To_ THE DOORMAN.]

General Lee is in the War Office--ask him if he can see me for a few
minutes, please.

[THE DOORMAN _bows and exits._]

Go on, gentlemen.

OULD

[_To_ BENJAMIN--_handing him the note._]

Read it!

BENJAMIN

[_Reading._]

"If these men do not return to my lines within ten days, I shall demand
them, and if you don't produce them--I'll execute two for one.

"(Signed) B. F. BUTLER."

[_Angrily._]

Bluff! Bluff!

DAVIS

He's a beast. He'll do it.

BENJAMIN

All right! Let him try it! Two can play that game. We can execute four
for one----

DAVIS

I don't like these bloody reprisals. There's no end, once we begin.

BENJAMIN

The decision is yours, sir.

DAVIS

I reserve my decision. I'll give it to you presently. I want a word
with General Lee--first--if you will give me this room.

BENJAMIN

Certainly, we'll retire until you're ready. This way.

[BENJAMIN _conducts_ VAUGHAN _and_ OULD _into the room
right--opposite the door through which_ JACQUESS _and_ GILMORE
_made their exit._--THE DOORMAN _enters and announces._]

THE DOORMAN

General Lee!

DAVIS

[_Advances cordially and takes_ LEE'S _hand in both of his._]

Thank you, General. I wish to consult you first on a peculiar
matter--of small importance from one point of view--of tremendous
importance from another. Two men have been passed into our lines to
sound me on the question of Peace. I have just talked with them. I am
certain--so is Benjamin--that they come straight from Lincoln though
they have no credentials. Benjamin demands their execution--Judge Ould
protests. Are they spies?

LEE

Technically, yes--morally, no.

DAVIS

Thank you. Before I decide whether to let these men go with a message
to the North, I must ask you one or two questions----

LEE

At your service, sir.

DAVIS

How long can you hold Grant?

LEE

Certainly a year--unless----

DAVIS

Yes?

LEE