“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 the appearance of the cards.

“They will be here pretty soon,” replied Ben.

The foppish man looked at his watch, and declared they would come in the course of five or ten minutes.  He then took the cards out of the box, and, after shuffling them, returned them to their place.  Fred placed a “quarter” on the table; the gambler put another by its side, and drew out a card from the silver case.  Tom did not understand the game; but his companion put the quarters in his pocket.

“See that, Tom!” said he.  “Got any money?”

“If I have I shall keep it.”

“Put down a quarter, and make another.”

“No, sir!  I’m no gambler!” replied Tom, with emphasis.

“Quite respectable, I assure you,” added the blackleg at the table.

“I’m going,” said Tom, decidedly.

“Baby!” sneered Ben.  “Afraid to play!”

“I won’t play!  I’m going.”

The negro opened the door, and he passed out.  Contrary to his expectation, he was followed by Fred and Ben.

“Baby is afraid of cards!” sneered Ben, as they passed through the long entry.