"Thank you, but I would just as lief study this book for the present," answered Walter, coldly, and somewhat astonished to learn that Haskett knew his name. "Maybe I can make some p'ints clearer. I'm an old sea-dog, you know." "I think Doring can explain all I wish to know," continued the boy, feeling he ought to stick up for the Yankee who had made himself so agreeable since leaving Boston. "Don't want my advice, then?" "I think not." "All right, then, suit yourself. If you want to cotton to such a fellow as Doring, you can do so, but"--he lowered his voice--"I reckon you are making a mistake." And then, before either Walter or Si could answer, he bounced up, and strode down the aisle and into the smoker. The train was approaching Washington, and shortly after this conversation it rolled into the depot at the Capitol city, and came to a standstill. "We stop here for fifteen minutes," said the porter to Walter, when questioned on the point. "Give you sailor-boys time to stretch your shoah legs." And he grinned, having been on a warship himself once, serving as a "striker,"--one who waits on the mess tables. "Let us take a few minutes' walk; I am all cramped up," said Walter to his Yankee friend; and Si readily agreed. Caleb Walton was willing they should go, but warned them not to stay too long. "Fifteen minutes don't mean sixteen; remember that," he called after them. "I should like to spend a few days here," observed Walter, as he and his companion hurried on. "The Capitol, patent offices, and other buildings must be very interesting." "I'd rather see President McKinley," returned the Yankee. "My, but he must have his hands full these days!" "Do you want to see the President?" questioned a man who was just passing them. "If you do, he's in his carriage three blocks below here. There's a cave-in of a sewer, and his carriage just stopped." "Then here's our chance, Si!" cried Walter, eagerly. "Come on; we can make it if we run. I wouldn't miss seeing the President for a good deal!" "Thet's me!" burst out the Yankee. "Off we go!" And he started to run, his long legs giving Walter all he could do to keep up with him. The three blocks were covered, and they came to where the cave-in was located, but only some very ordinary vehicles were in sight. "We're too late!" grumbled Si, crestfallen. "Come on back." "Too late for phwat?" asked an Irishman standing near the sewer. "We wanted to see the President." "Sure an' there goes his carriage down beyant." And the Irishman pointed to a side street. It was still less than a block away, and without stopping to think twice they made after it, and came up just as it was turning a corner. A very trim driver sat on the box of the turn-out, and on the rear seat, the sole occupant of the carriage, sat our country's chief executive.