"Yes, sir; it is."
"Well, sir, I'm here to answer in his behalf. I'd like to have a copy of the charges. I'm ready to answer them."
"Very sorry," said the other, with a strange smile, "but I can't oblige you."
"Why not," asked Carlton, bristling up at once.
"Because there are no charges now."
"No charges now? What do you mean?"
The Sergeant-at-Arms did an amazing thing. He winked at the Congressman. After that he spoke with a significant emphasis.
"Hudson beat you by about ten minutes; he's withdrawn the charges, and says I'm to consider them as never having been made."
Carlton looked at him blankly.
"Well, that beats the old Harry," he said, finally; "how do you account for it."