I sent for you, to ask that---- STANTON Nothing---- LINCOLN [_In low tones._] What does it mean? STANTON A storm swept Atlanta yesterday--the wires may be all down---- LINCOLN You think that's it----? STANTON No--I don't. LINCOLN Neither do I---- STANTON Something big has happened! Sherman has either taken Atlanta or Hood has cut his communications and his army may be imperiled. LINCOLN [_His head droops._] That's what I think too--God help us! [_The sharp click of the telegraph instrument causes him to start quickly, cross to the table and listen. The committee headed by_ RAYMOND _and_ STEVENS _crowd through the door against the protests of_ NICOLAY.] NICOLAY I promised you an answer in half an hour, gentleman!--you must wait. RAYMOND Not another minute! STEVENS [_Waving a telegram._] The matter is too urgent! LINCOLN All right--John--let 'em in--I'm ready. RAYMOND We have just heard a most painful and startling piece of news from the War Department---- LINCOLN [_To_ STANTON.] War Department---- [_Low voice._] --What is it, Stanton? STANTON Something I didn't believe and wouldn't repeat to you. LINCOLN [_Whispering to_ OPERATOR.] Pull for me, boy, pull for me--keep picking at that thing! STEVENS [_Triumphantly._] You were advised to withhold the new draft of men until after the election! Well, read that copy of a telegram from New York, just received by General Halleck, sir! [_Offers telegram to_ LINCOLN _and he refuses to take it._] LINCOLN I don't want to read it, Stevens. Your face is enough for me. It must be bad, or you wouldn't be so happy. You're almost smiling! STEVENS Read it! LINCOLN [_Ignoring the proffered telegram._] You know, Stevens, you remind of an old farmer I knew in Illinois---- [_The committee gather around_ LINCOLN _eager for the story, glancing at_ STEVENS.] STEVENS Go on, give 'em the joke. It's your funeral--not mine! LINCOLN [_Facing the committee._]