Here still more cars were attached to the train, and more troops got on, and the crowd was even closer than before.
Again our victims succumbed to the stupefying effects of the confined air, and slept heavily and unhealthily until they reached Washington.
Day had dawned when the train crawled into the depot.
The closely packed multitude got out, and filled all the space that was under cover.
Mr. Force piloted his party through the crowd, and out into the open air.
“I doubt if we can get a carriage,” said the squire, looking around.
And his doubts were speedily and unpleasantly set at rest. He could not. If there had been any on the spot they had been seized by the first travelers, who had jumped off the train to secure a ride.
“There is nothing for it but to walk to our hotel. Luckily, it is not very far off,” said Mr. Force.
It was a fine morning, and dawn was reddening in the east as they left the depot and walked on toward Pennsylvania Avenue. They walked somewhat stiffly at first, from having been cramped up so long in the railway train, but the fresh air was reviving, and so they all felt more invigorated at every yard by their progress.
They reached the hotel with fine appetites for breakfast.