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It's no use, sir----
LINCOLN
We don't seem to have any luck, do we? My messenger should have reached Sherman! He must be there now. He must be there--he can't be lost!
[_Laughs forlornly._]
Two whole days I've listened to that thing click----
[_The_ OPERATOR _calls Atlanta, with a peculiar loud call._]
Is that the word Atlanta you're clicking off?
OPERATOR
Yes, sir--calling--over this wire we have a direct connection to-day.
The trouble is Sherman's old headquarters don't answer either.
LINCOLN
Call Atlanta again. Do it slowly. I want to learn it--Uncle Billy----
[_The_ OPERATOR _clicks off each letter in the Morse Code, spelling it slowly._]
Must be there by this time!
OPERATOR
A--T--L--A--N--T--A-- G--A-- Atlanta, Ga.
LINCOLN
Once more.
[_The_ OPERATOR _repeats the call and_ LINCOLN _follows it repeating after him._]
I want to catch that as quick as you do--when it comes!
[_Aside._]
Oh, my G.o.d, why don't it come!--Why don't it come!
[NICOLAY _enters._]
NICOLAY
The time's up. Raymond and his d.a.m.ned Committee are here, sir, and insist on your final answer at Once----
LINCOLN
Hold them back awhile. We're bound to hear something to-day. I promised them my decision this morning, I know--but I'm still full of foolish hopes.
NICOLAY
They are not foolish hopes,--Chief!
LINCOLN
This machine here seems to think they are. The darn fool thing will talk one way but won't chirp the other.
NICOLAY
What shall I tell them?
LINCOLN
[_Listening at the instrument._]
Anything--tell them a funny story!
[_Listening._]
They need a laugh--the bunch of undertakers! Waiting for me to deliver my corpse to them!--Restless, because I haven't given it up sooner!
[_The sharp click of the telegraph receiver catches his ear and he starts to the table._]
No--that wasn't it----
[_Turns again to_ NICOLAY.]
Tell them positively, I will see them within half an hour.
[NICOLAY _exits and_ LINCOLN _returns to his vigil by the telegraph table._]
How close can you get to Atlanta over the Chattanooga line----?
OPERATOR
Twenty miles out is the last station that answers and he don't know what's the matter with the line.
LINCOLN
Strange--we got closer than that yesterday--Sherman's on the move....
[BETTY _enters timidly._]
That's certain.
