When they had visited the prison and hospitals, Gilmore again turned to the Judge:
"Now, explain to us, please, your delay this morning—we're curious."
Ould smiled:
"I suppose I'd as well tell you. When I called on Mr. Davis for your permit, Mr. Benjamin was there impressing on the President of the Confederate States the absolute necessity of placing you two gentlemen in Castle Thunder until the Northern elections are over. Mr. Benjamin is a very eloquent advocate, and Mr. Davis hesitated. I took issue with the Secretary of State and we had a very exciting argument. The President finally reserved decision until two o'clock and asked me to call and get it. He handed me your pass with this remark:
"It's probably a bad business for us, but it would alienate many of our Northern friends if we should hold on to these gentlemen."
In two hours the visitors had reached the Union lines, John Vaughan had obtained his passes and was on his way to Atlanta.
[CHAPTER XXXVIII]
[THE STOLEN MARCH]
John Vaughan's entrance into Atlanta was simple. His credentials from Richmond were perfect. His exit proved to be a supreme test of his nerve.