"It is, sir!"
"Thanks for the spirit that prompts your rage. I know you're right about
most of these things. I'll do my best to help and not hinder you----"
"There's a woman coming here this morning to present a petition over my
head."
"Oh, I see----"
"I have refused it and I demand that you support, not make a fool of
me."
He turned without waiting for an answer and strode from the room.
The President whispered to Nicolay:
"We may have to put a few bricks in Stanton's pocket yet, John!"
He glanced toward the waiting crowd and whispered again:
"Any news to-day from the front before I go on?"
Nicolay drew a telegram from his file:
"Only this dispatch, sir, announcing the capture of fifty mules and two
brigadier generals by Stuart's cavalry----"
"Fifty mules?"
"And two brigadier generals."
"Fifty mules--and they're worth two hundred dollars a piece. Tell 'em to
send a regiment after those mules. Jeffy D. can have the generals."
A slender little dark-haired girl about fifteen years old, with big
wistful blue eyes, had taken advantage of the pause to slip close. When
the President lifted his head she caught his eyes. He rose immediately
and drew her to his side.
"You're all alone, little girl?"
"Yes, sir," she faltered.
"And what can I do for you?"
"If you please, I want to pass through the lines to Virginia--my
brother's there--he was shot in the last battle.
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