No matter what is said, I can make a report that will harden the purpose of our Societies to swing the uprising on the night of the election. BENJAMIN You are sure the order for the revolt against the Lincoln Government has been issued? VAUGHAN Absolutely sure. BENJAMIN I know they have discussed it and may have decided to do it, but are the actual preparations under way? VAUGHAN In every Lodge of the Knights of the Golden Circle, the command is now on record. Our forces are being drilled. I have read the original order with the signature of the Commander---- BENJAMIN [_Elated._] It's great news you've brought us, young man--great news! [BENJAMIN _hesitates and_ VAUGHAN _watches him._] All right, we'll risk it----! [VAUGHAN _shows his secret joy and deep excitement._] 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---- [THE DOORMAN _enters._] THE DOORMAN Judge Ould, the Commissioner of Exchange---- [OULD _enters._] OULD Our visitors are outside, Mr. Benjamin. BENJAMIN You understand, Judge Ould, that these men are prisoners of war in your charge as Exchange Commissioner? OULD I am painfully aware of that fact, sir--and the responsibility is not to my liking. BENJAMIN 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. OULD I can trust them here with you, I hope, for half an hour? BENJAMIN You can. Show them in. [VAUGHAN _takes his seat at the small table near_ BENJAMIN _who gives him a note book and he prepares to take notes._ OULD _reenters conducting_ JACQUESS _and_ GILMORE.] OULD 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._] BENJAMIN 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. JACQUESS No, sir, we bring no overtures---- GILMORE We have no authority from our Government. JACQUESS We have come simply as private citizens to know what terms will be acceptable to Mr. Davis for ending the war? BENJAMIN