OPERATOR It's no use, sir---- LINCOLN We don't seem to have any luck, do we? My messenger should have reached Sherman! He must be there now. He must be there--he can't be lost! [_Laughs forlornly._] Two whole days I've listened to that thing click---- [_The_ OPERATOR _calls Atlanta, with a peculiar loud call._] Is that the word Atlanta you're clicking off? OPERATOR Yes, sir--calling--over this wire we have a direct connection to-day. The trouble is Sherman's old headquarters don't answer either. LINCOLN Call Atlanta again. Do it slowly. I want to learn it--Uncle Billy---- [_The_ OPERATOR _clicks off each letter in the Morse Code, spelling it slowly._] Must be there by this time! OPERATOR A--T--L--A--N--T--A-- G--A-- Atlanta, Ga. LINCOLN Once more. [_The_ OPERATOR _repeats the call and_ LINCOLN _follows it repeating after him._] I want to catch that as quick as you do--when it comes! [_Aside._] Oh, my God, why don't it come!--Why don't it come! [NICOLAY _enters._] NICOLAY The time's up. Raymond and his damned Committee are here, sir, and insist on your final answer at Once---- LINCOLN Hold them back awhile. We're bound to hear something to-day. I promised them my decision this morning, I know--but I'm still full of foolish hopes. NICOLAY They are not foolish hopes,--Chief! LINCOLN This machine here seems to think they are. The darn fool thing will talk one way but won't chirp the other. NICOLAY What shall I tell them? LINCOLN [_Listening at the instrument._] Anything--tell them a funny story! [_Listening._] They need a laugh--the bunch of undertakers! Waiting for me to deliver my corpse to them!--Restless, because I haven't given it up sooner! [_The sharp click of the telegraph receiver catches his ear and he starts to the table._] No--that wasn't it---- [_Turns again to_ NICOLAY.] Tell them positively, I will see them within half an hour. [NICOLAY _exits and_ LINCOLN _returns to his vigil by the telegraph table._] How close can you get to Atlanta over the Chattanooga line----? OPERATOR Twenty miles out is the last station that answers and he don't know what's the matter with the line. LINCOLN Strange--we got closer than that yesterday--Sherman's on the move.... [BETTY _enters timidly._] That's certain. [_Looking up._] Come right in, Miss Betty--I know what you want. BETTY Nothing yet from General Sherman? LINCOLN Nothing---- BETTY