"How?"
"Warrington will only be taking the train for Washington at that time."
Conway paced the width of the corridor two or three times. Suddenly he paused, a look of resolution in his eyes.
"Is debate restricted to the Committee?" he asked, unexpectedly.
"No."
"Then, by Jove, I think I have it. It's only a chance in a thousand, but it's worth trying."
During the next few minutes the journalist showed the latent possibilities that reposed beneath his placid exterior. He hustled Barry to his rooms for certain papers. Joe Hart, who happened along, was hurried off on another errand. All the while Conway was talking in quick, jerky, excited whispers to John Carlton. Barry and Joe returned about the same time, loaded down with reports and pamphlets. These were placed in the arms of the astonished Congressman.
"Now, Carlton," was the farewell greeting of the correspondent, "I'm going to take Barry with me. I may need him. Joe Hart will stay here in case you need his services. In the meantime, good-bye and good luck."
He was off like a flash. John Carlton returned to the Committee room and silently took his seat. His quiet demeanor surprised Hudson. He looked for an outbreak of some sort. But, instead the man from Maine sat there as mute as though he had been deprived of the power of speech.
"Takes defeat better than I expected," whispered Hudson to his neighbor.