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.