  We study a model with fractional quantum numbers using Monte Carlo
techniques. The model is composed of bosons interacting though a $Z_2$ gauge
field. We find that the system has three phases: a phase in which the bosons
are confined, a fractionalized phase in which the bosons are deconfined, and a
phase in which the bosons are condensed. The deconfined phase has a
``topological'' order due to the degeneracy in the ground state of the gauge
field. We discuss an experimental test proposed by Senthil and Fisher that uses
the topological order to determine the existence of a deconfined,
fractionalized phase.
