Lincoln: My compliments to them, and will they be prepared to see me here at once if necessary. Send the same message to any other ministers you can find.
Clerk: Yes, sir.
He goes.
Lincoln: We may have to decide now—now.
HAY shows in a perspiring and dust-covered
MESSENGER, and retires. From Major Anderson?
The Messenger: Yes, sir. Word of mouth, sir.
Lincoln: Your credentials?
The Messenger (giving LINCOLN a paper): Here, sir.
Lincoln (glancing at it): Well?