"No man can couple the word treason with my name, sir!" the General
hissed.
"Have I done so?"
"You are insinuating it--and I demand a retraction!"
The President smiled genially:
"Then I apologize for my carelessness of expression. I have never
believed you a traitor to the Union."
"Thank you!"
"I don't believe it now, General. That's why I've sent for you."
"Then I suggest that you employ more caution in the use of words if this
conversation is to continue."
"Again I apologize, General, with admiration for your manner of meeting
the ugly subject. I'm glad you feel that way--and now if you will be
seated we can talk business."
McClellan resumed his seat with a frown and the President went on:
"I have sent for you to ask an amazing thing----"
"Hence the secrecy with which I am summoned?"
"Exactly. I'm going to ask you to take my place and save the Union."
McClellan's handsome face went white:
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I've said."
"And your conditions?" the General asked, with a quiver in his voice.
"They are very simple: Preside to-morrow night at a great Democratic
Union Mass Meeting in New York and boldly put yourself at the head of
the Union Democracy----"
"And you?"
"I will withdraw from the race."
"What race?"
"For the next term of the Presidency.
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