"Now, Tom, you wanted to see the congressmen?" said Ben, after they had
"done" the city pretty thoroughly.

"Yes, but I have seen them at the Capitol."

"But don't you want to get nearer to them, and hear them talk?"

"Well, I should like to."

"Come with us, then."

Ben led the way down the avenue, and entered a building not far from the
railroad station. After passing through a long, narrow entry, they
ascended a flight of stairs, at the head of which the conductor gave two
raps. The door was opened by a negro, and they were invited to enter. At a
table in the middle of the room was seated a foppish-looking man who held
in his hand a silver box. As he turned it, Tom saw that it contained a
pack of cards.

"Where are your congressmen?" asked the soldier boy, whose eyes had been
opened by the appearance of the cards.

"They will be here pretty soon," replied Ben.

The foppish man looked at his watch, and declared they would come in the
course of five or ten minutes. He then took the cards out of the box, and,
after shuffling them, returned them to their place. Fred placed a
"quarter" on the table; the gambler put another by its side, and drew out
a card from the silver case. Tom did not understand the game; but his
companion put the quarters in his pocket.