A Man of the People Part 45

Hardly! Do you think there _are_ twenty millions in the North still determined to crush us? If so, let me tell you that I am better informed on the present situation inside your lines than you are. The North at this moment is hopelessly divided, sir----

[BENJAMIN _exchanges signs with_ VAUGHAN.]

JACQUESS

The dispute then with your government is narrowed to this--union--or disunion?

DAVIS

Let us say independence or subjugation. We mean to govern ourselves. We will hold this principle if we have to see every Southern plantation sacked and every city in flames----

[JACQUESS _and_ GILMORE _rise._ VAUGHAN _catches_ GILMORE'S _eye._]

JACQUESS

I am sorry, sir.

[DAVIS _takes_ JACQUESS' _hand in both his in the same way_ LINCOLN _did._]

DAVIS

I respect your character, Colonel Jacquess and your motives and I wish you well--every good wish possible consistent with the interests of the Confederacy----

[_He presses_ GILMORE'S _hand and follows them to the door._]

JACQUESS

Thank you.

DAVIS

[_At door._]

And say to Mr. Lincoln that I shall be pleased to receive proposals for peace direct from him, at any time, on the basis of our independence.

It will be useless to approach me with any other.

[JACQUESS _and_ GILMORE _exit and_ OULD _reenters._]

OULD

[_To Davis._]

And shall I conduct these gentlemen back to Grant's lines?

BENJAMIN

[_Quickly._]

No, these men are spies straight from Lincoln's desk. It's the slyest trick the old fox has ever tried to play on us. He knows that McClellan's election on a peace platform is a certainty. He's after ammunition for this campaign. We dare not play into his hands! Our very life may depend on it! Make no mistake--these men must be locked up to-night and shot at sunrise.

OULD

[_Shakes his head._]

I wouldn't do it if I were you----

BENJAMIN

Why?

OULD

For one reason this----

[OULD _unfolds a note._]

Ben Butler sent this note to me by their hands. It was sealed. Read it.

DAVIS

[_Interrupting._]

Just a moment----

[_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!