"Now, you mean to tell me," the old gentleman remarked, "all that has
to pass away, has to be given up? The Northerners have no right
to invade our country, to defile our land, to abuse our women!
What God Of Providence would not say that our Cause is just? We
were invaded, sir! The sanctity of our country was
violated. Why did we not have the right to be victorious?"
Jeff shook his head. "It's not a matter, sir, of right or wrong.
It's a matter of survival. If we win, sir, we will not
survive. Nothing will survive! All that we have
accomplished will be for absolutely nothing. It's just as hard
for me, sir, as it is for you. You don't know how much I want to
tell you 'Just let it be. Go back and give The Confederacy even
more things that would help it more.' But the only thing we can
give it is death. That's the only place where our victory will
lead."
The elder gentleman stared at his guest, then picked up the papers that
he had brought with him. "How did you bring these into the
past?" he asked.
"I was told," Jeff answered, "that the paper my visitor brought with
him was made from trees that still existed in the war of union
aggression. Therefore, the supply he brought with him could be
used to print things out and carry them back in time because the
material that they're made from still exists in the time he left from."
"Most incredible!" the old gentleman sighed. I am proud,
sir, you are my descendant, I am very proud of that, sir!"
Jeff managed a smile. "Thank you!" he answered, "I have
also
always been proud of the heritage I bear."
They chatted for some time more, then Jeff's host realized his fatigue
and ushered him off to bed.
The next day they enjoyed breakfast together and an outing. Jeff was
fascinated with the differences in things, how much all of this was
going to change, he thought, in a very short time. Then the
thought hit him how much INDEED it was going to change, far beyond
anything the people around him could imagine or, understand.
They went to the theater that evening and returned home. When Jeff got
up the following morning he found his host standing before some clothes
that had been hung on a line. "You do not seem to become as young
as your grandson did when he visited you," the old gentleman
remarked. "I wonder what I should wear, how young I will become?"
"I cannot advise you on that," Jeff answered. "I was amazed how little
I changed.
The old gentleman chose an outfit and put it on. It was very
tight on him. He looked in the mirror and smiled. "I hope they
fit better," he remarked "when I get there!"
Jeff looked at his clock. "Well, in about five minutes," he remarked,
"you'll know. Good luck, sir!"
"And good luck to you, sir!" the old gentleman answered.
They said no more, just stared out the window into the garden until the
tingling came. The old gentleman felt himself fading away.
A few moments later he appeared in an office. A haggard looking
man sat at a desk trying to organize stacks of papers. He looked
startled as his visitor appeared. "Who are you?" he asked.
His visitor smiled. "I'm you, President Davis!" the visitor
answered, "I'm you!"