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. Neither 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.
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