Benjamin followed his Chief thirty minutes later with the most important
communication he had ever decided to make.
As the most trusted adviser of the President he had long had the freedom
of the house.
The resolute Hebrew features of the Secretary were set with resolution.
He pushed his way to the door of Mr. Davis' room, rapped for admission
and without waiting for an answer softly and swiftly entered. His
mission was too important to admit of delay.
He paused at the threshold in surprise.
Jefferson Davis was on his knees in prayer so deep and earnest he had
not heard.
He waited with head bowed in silent sympathy for five minutes and looked
with increasing amazement at the white face of the man who prayed. This
agony of soul before the God of his fathers was a revelation to the
Minister of State.
His lips were moving now in audible words.
"Thou alone art my refuge, O Lord! Without Thee I shall fail. Have pity
on Thy servant--with Thy wisdom guide!"
The time was swiftly passing. The Minister could not wait.
"I beg your pardon, Mr. President," he began in low tones, "but I have
most important communications to make to you--"
The voice of prayer softly died away and slowly the look of earth came
back to the tired face.
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