"By George! That's short notice."
"Yes, it is, and that's why I have been giving some serious thought to the proposition. I have counted noses a dozen times today, and I am willing to take my oath that I have got a sure majority of two votes."
"That's good, but it's close."
"Yes, but in a hot race a nose is as good as a mile."
Conway seemed lost in thought for a while. Presently he spoke in a tone of half admiration and half wonder:
"You know, Mr. Carlton," he said, "the more I think of it the more I am surprised at what you have told me."
"What do you mean?"
"I simply mean that in the face of this bitter factional fight it is almost a miracle that an overwhelming majority of the Committee has not declared against your bill."
"Oh, I don't know about that," was the calm rejoinder. "Men can't afford to lose their heads altogether. Besides, there are other members that have bills that they want passed."