The lieutenant had no official duty to perform, and he was at liberty to go where he pleased.

He procured leave of absence for Mr.Graines; for he was himself still on fever diet, and was rather weak so that he needed his assistance.
"Home again, Charley!" exclaimed Christy, when they had landed at the navy yard.
"That's so, and my folks at home will not expect to see me," replied the engineer.
"Neither will any one at Bonnydale anticipate a visit from me," added Christy.

"We know all about the sharp action of the Bellevite with the Tallahatchie; but no one in these parts can have heard a word about it.
Now, Charley, see if you can find a carriage for me;" and the wounded officer went into an office to wait for it.
The uniform of the messenger carried him past all sentinels; and in half an hour he returned in a carriage, which was permitted to enter the yard on Mr.Graines's statement of its intended use.

Christy was assisted into it.

"Wall Street Ferry," said the lieutenant to the driver.
"Why do you go there ?" asked the engineer.