"
"That's old hoss Cameron," he said. "I made such a mug at the old
terrapin that he'll never be able to recognise my face."
"The--the Secretary of War!" gasped Ailsa.
"You very wicked little boy, don't you dare to make another face at
anybody!--or I'll--I'll report your conduct to--to the Sanitary
Commission!"
"Oh, come!" he said blankly, "don't do that, lady! They'll raise
hell with me, if you do. I want to get hunky with the Sanitary
boss."
"Then behave yourself!" said Ailsa, furious; "and don't you dare to
swear again. Do you hear?"
"Yes, ma'am--I will--I won't, I mean. And if I see that old
mudsill, Simon Cameron, I'll take off my cap to him, b'gosh!"
It was an anxious and subdued soldier who showed them the door of
the Commission's office, and stood at attention, saluting carefully
as the ladies passed him.
"You won't peach, will you?" he whispered loudly, as Ailsa stopped
to pay the driver.
"No, I won't--this time," she said, smiling, "if you promise to be
a very good soldier hereafter."
He promised fervidly. He happened to be on duty at headquarters,
and the fear of the Commission had been driven into him deep. So
she and Letty entered the door with a stream of people who
evidently had business with the officials of the American Sanitary
Commission; and a very amiable young man received them in their
turn, took their papers, examined their credentials, nodded
smilingly, and directed them to a small boarding-house on F Street,
where, he explained, they had better remain until further orders.
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