we can't go, of course."

"Bah! What a great calf you are! Don't you want to cry again?"

"Ben, you needn't say cry to me again as long as you live," added Tom. "If
you do, I'll give you something to cry for."

Tom did not like the style of remark which the other had adopted. He was
angry, and, as he spoke, his fist involuntarily clinched, and his eye
looked fierce and determined.

"Come, come, Tom; don't bristle up so. If you are a man, just show that
you are, and come along with us."

"I say, Ben, I want to know who's a baby or a calf, you or I, before we
go, I won't stand any more of your lip."

"Will you go with us?" demanded Ben, who was rather disposed to dodge the
issue.

"What do you mean by calling me a calf and a baby? And this isn't the
first time you've done it."

"Don't you know that every man in the regiment has been all over the city,
and without any pass? When I ask you to go, you begin to talk about a
pass."

"I choose to obey orders," replied Tom.

"O, you daresn't go with us."

"Come along!" said Tom, who had not yet learned to bear the taunts of his
companion.

"Get your pail."

Tom got his pail, and was immediately joined by Fred and Ben, each of whom
was also supplied with a pail. There was no water to be had within the
camp ground, and the men were obliged to bring it in pails from the
hydrants in the street. A pail, therefore, was quite as good as a written
document to enable them to pass the guard.

The party thus provided had no difficulty in passing the sentinels. At a
convenient place outside the line, they concealed the pails, and, for
three hours, roamed at will over the city.

"Now, Tom, you wanted to see the congressmen?" said Ben, after they had
"done" the city pretty thoroughly.

"Yes, but I have seen them at the Capitol."

"But don't you want to get nearer to them, and hear them talk?"

"Well, I should like to."

"Come with us, then."

Ben led the way down the avenue, and entered a building not far from the
railroad station. After passing through a long, narrow entry, they
ascended a flight of stairs, at the head of which the conductor gave two
raps. The door was opened by a negro, and they were invited to enter. At a
table in the middle of the room was seated a foppish-looking man who held
in his hand a silver box. As he turned it, Tom saw that it contained a
pack of cards.

"Where are your congressmen?" asked the soldier boy, whose eyes had been
opened by