The Senator entered with a quick, nervous excitement he could not conceal.
"Colonel Taylor—"
"Senator."
The men clasped hands and Taylor continued to watch the nervous manner of his caller.
"My coming from Richmond is no doubt a surprise?"
"Naturally. We're in pretty close quarters with Grant here to-night—"
Rives raised his hand in a gesture of despair.
"No closer than our Government in Richmond is with the end at this moment, in my judgment. I couldn't wait. I had to come to-night. You have called an informal council as I requested?"
"The moment I got your message an hour ago."
Taylor caught his excitement and bent close.