The nearest youngster detached himself from the group while all of them turned away from the windows, stepped to the side of the officer, and saluted.
“War Department,” said Foray tersely. “Tell the Secretary it’s from General Lee, and here’s a duplicate which you are to give to the President.”
“Very good, sir,” said the messenger, taking the message and turning away.
As he passed out of the door, an orderly entered the room, stepped to the side of Lieutenant Foray, the senior of the two officers on duty, clicked his heels together, and saluted.
“Secretary’s compliments, sir, and he wants to know if there is anything from General Lee,” he said.
“My compliments to the Secretary,” returned the Lieutenant. “I have just sent a message to his office with a duplicate for the President.”
“The President’s with the Cabinet yet, sir,” returned the orderly. “He didn’t go home. The Secretary’s there, too. They want an operator right quick to take down some cipher telegrams.”
Lieutenant Foray looked over to his subordinate.
“Got anything on, Charlie?” he called out.
“Not right now,” answered Lieutenant Allison.