Beyond that was a silver band which was the Potomac, and beyond the
river were the clustered roofs which were Washington. But he turned his
eyes back to the earthworks, and he tried to fasten firmly in his mind
their number and location. This, too, would be important news, most
welcome to Beauregard.
The boy's elation grew. They had given him a delicate and dangerous
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.
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