When I lay in the hospital suffering from my wounds, I received the letter telling me of my father's imprisonment. I must have gone mad--for when you refused to-night to give him a trial--I started to--kill--you---- Oh, my God! [_Breaks down._] LINCOLN To kill me----! You are the second man to try it. He'll get me the next time--I who envy the dead their rest! [_Laughs._] What a strange thing this life of ours! [_Pauses._] Why didn't you _do_ it----? VAUGHAN Because, for the first time you made me see things as they are, and I got a glimpse of the inside---- LINCOLN [_Eagerly._] Then, I won--didn't I----? VAUGHAN Yes--and I can never forgive myself the thought of harming you----! LINCOLN [_Ignoring his grief._] If I've won _you_, I can win others, if I only get their ear and make them know as you know! All I need is a little time! And I'm going to fight for it now---- [_With quick uplift of spirit._] I've told you the truth and the truth has turned a murderer into my friend! If only the people can know--can have time to think, I'll win--I'll win--! Look here--I've _won_ you now----? VAUGHAN [_Eagerly._] Just give me a chance to prove it----! [LINCOLN _studies_ VAUGHAN _thoughtfully._] LINCOLN You doubtless said many bitter things in Washington? VAUGHAN Many of them---- LINCOLN Then, you were approached by the leaders of a Copperhead Secret Order called The Knights of the Golden Circle--were you not? VAUGHAN Yes----! LINCOLN I thought so---- [_Cautiously._] You--joined the Order----? VAUGHAN [_Hesitates._] I joined, and I'm one of their officers---- LINCOLN [_Carefully._] Of their inner council? VAUGHAN Yes---- LINCOLN You--know--all their signs and passwords? VAUGHAN Every one---- LINCOLN [_With sudden deep excitement._] Young man, you may have thought you came here to-night with murder in your heart--but Almighty God sent you for a different purpose----! VAUGHAN What do you mean? LINCOLN You'll stand by me now, through thick and thin? VAUGHAN [_Passionately._] I'd count it an honor to die for you----! LINCOLN Well, I'm going to ask you to do something harder than that for a man of sensitive honor. These Copperhead traitors took advantage of your illness and grief over your father to inveigle you into a scheme of high treason----