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----
Judge Ould, the Commissioner of Exchange----
You understand, Judge Ould, that these men are prisoners of war in your charge as Exchange Commissioner?
I am painfully aware of that fact, sir--and the responsibility is not to my liking.
While in Richmond, they are to be held under the strictest guard and on no conditions allowed a liberty except by my order, or the order of the President.
I can trust them here with you, I hope, for half an hour?
[VAUGHAN _takes his seat at the small table near_ BENJAMIN _who gives him a note book and he prepares to take notes._ OULD _reënters conducting_ JACQUESS _and_ GILMORE.]
Colonel James F. Jacquess and Mr. John R. Gilmore,--Mr. Secretary of State----
[OULD _bows and exits, while_ BENJAMIN _advances with marked cordiality to greet his visitors. He does not shake hands but bows politely._]
I am delighted to see you, gentlemen--pray be seated.
[_The two men sit and_ GILMORE _shoots at_ VAUGHAN _a look of startled recognition which_ VAUGHAN _fails to return._]
You bring overtures from your Government I trust.
We have no authority from our Government.
We have come simply as private citizens to know what terms will be acceptable to Mr. Davis for ending the war?
You are acquainted with Mr. Lincoln's views, however?
I supposed so. May I ask, did Mr. Lincoln in any way authorize you to come here?
No, sir. We came on his pass through the lines, of course, but not by his request.
We came, Mr. Benjamin, simply as men and Christians, not as diplomats, hoping in a frank talk with Mr. Davis to discover some way by which this war may be stopped.
On my advice, gentlemen, Mr. Davis will see you----
We worked on the same paper in Washington, once----
Get-word-through-will you! _We're in a trap!_
Shut your damned trap! or we'll both make our breakfast on lead at sunrise to-morrow morning! Get back to your seat!
[_The sound of approaching steps are heard._ BENJAMIN _enters as_ GILMORE _drops into his seat._]
Gentlemen: The President of the Confederate States of America!
[DAVIS _enters and bows to his visitors, who rise. His figure is about five foot ten and quite thin. His features are typically the Southern scholar and thinker with angular cheeks and high cheek bones. His iron gray hair is long and thick and inclined to curl at the ends. His whiskers are thin and trimmed farmer fashion, on the lower end of his strong chin. His eyes flash with strong vitality. His forehead is broad, his mouth strong. He wears a brown suit of foreign cloth which fits him perfectly. His shoulders slightly droop. His manner is easy and graceful, his voice charming and cultured._]