her proprietor nor waiter gave him more
than a casual glance. Evidently they were used to serving countrymen.
Harry, feeling refreshed and strong again, paid for his food and went
outside.

The streets were thronged. He had expected nothing else, but there was
a great air of excitement and expectancy as if something important were
going to happen.

"What is it?" asked Harry of a man beside him.

"Don't you know what day this is?" asked the man.

"I've forgot," replied the boy in the slouchy speech and intonation of
the hills. "I jest came in with dad this mornin', bringin' a wagon load
of fresh vegetables."

"You look as foolish as you talk," said the man scornfully. "This
is the Fourth of July, and the special session of Congress called by
President Lincoln is to meet this morning and decide how to give the
rebels the thrashing they need."

"I did hear somethin' about that," replied Harry, "but workin' in the
field I furgot all about it. I 'low I'll stroll that way."

He drifted on with the crowd toward the Capitol, which rose nobler and
more imposing than ever, a great marble building, gleaming white in the
sunshine. Harry's heart throbbed. He could not yet dissociate himself
from the idea that he, as one of the nation, was a part owner of the
Capitol. But, forgetting all danger, he persisted in his errand.
A great event was about to occur, and he intended to see it.

There were soldiers everywhere. The streets blazed with uniforms,
but the people were allowed to gather about the Capitol and many also
entered. A friendly sentinel passed Harry, who stood for a few moments
in the rotunda. He was careful to keep near other spectators, in order
that he might not attract attention to himself.

All things that he saw cut sharply into his sensitive and eager mind.
It was in truth an extraordinary situation for one who had come as he
had come, and he waited, calm of face, but with every pulse beating.
The comments of the other spectators told him who the famous men were
as they entered. Here were Cameron and Wade of the lowering brows.
There passed Taney, the venerable Chief Justice, and then dry and quiet
Hamlin, the Vice-President, on his way to preside over the Senate,
went by. A tall and magnificent figure in a general's uniform next
attracted Harry's attention. He was an old man, but he held himself
very erect and his head was crowned with splendid snowy hair.

"Old Fuss and Feathers," said a ma