erous
task, but he was doing it. He had overcome every obstacle so far,
and he would overcome them to the end. He was bound to enter that
Washington which, in the distance, seemed to lie in such a close cluster.

He felt that he had lingered long enough at Arlington, and, descending,
he made a great curve around the earthworks, coming to the river north
of Arlington. His next problem was the passage of the Potomac. He did
not dare to try Long Bridge, which he knew would be guarded strictly,
but he thought he might find some boatman who would take him over.
As the capital was so crowded, the farmers were continually crossing
with loads of provisions, and now that an uncommonly hot July had come
the night would be a favorite time for the passage.

A search up and down the bank brought its reward. A Virginian, who said
his name was Grimes, had a heavy boat filled with vegetables, and Harry
was welcome as a helper.

"It's a dollar for you," said Grimes, who did not trouble to ask the boy
his name, "an' here are your oars."

The two, pulling strongly, shot the boat out into the stream, and then
rowed in a diagonal line for the city, which rose up brilliant and great
in the moonlight. Other boats were in the river, but they paid no
attention to the barge, loaded with produce, and rowed by two innocent
countrymen. They soon reached the Washington shore, and Grimes handed
Harry a silver dollar.

"You're a strong young fellow," he said, "an' I guess you've earned the
money. My farm is only four miles up the river an' thar's goin' to be a
big market for all I kin raise. I need a good han' to help me work it.
How'd you like to come with me an' take a good job, while them that
don't know no better go ahead an' do the fightin'?"

"Thank you for your offer," replied Harry, "but I've got business to
attend to in Washington."

He slipped the dollar into his pocket, because he had earned it honestly,
and entered Washington, just as the rising sun began to gild domes and
roofs. Coming from the boat, his appearance aroused no suspicion.
People were pouring into Washington then as they were pouring into the
Confederate capital at Richmond. One dressed as he, and looking as he,
could enter or depart almost as he pleased, despite the ring of
fortifications.

Up went the sun, and the full day came, extremely hot and clear.
Harry turned into a little restaurant, and spent half of his well-earned
dollar for breakfast. Neit