Barry protested, but Mr. Carlton humorously insisted that he must have his own way in matters of this kind.
There was no doubt about the interest in the Naval Repair Station bill. Copies of the measure had been printed some time before, but the demand for them was so great that the supply had already been exhausted. Several members called during the course of the morning and asked for duplicates of the bill, but Mr. Carlton was unable to accommodate them.
Just about noon time Mr. Benedict, one of his close friends, entered the office and said in a mysterious way:
"John, I hear that your bill is coming up for consideration today?"
"That's correct," was the response, "and I hope you'll be on hand."
"Sure," was the response, "but see here, I heard last night that some change had been made in the phraseology of the Act. If that is so, it will have to go over to be printed and that will cause a delay of at least two weeks in your bill."
"I think you must be mistaken," was the reply. "The bill was in perfect shape at the last meeting of the Committee, and I am positive that no amendments of any kind were offered."
"That may be," was the response, "but if I were in your place I'd make sure of it."
Carlton thought that this was good advice, and he summoned Barry to his side.