"But the postponement won't do any good unless Warrington gets here."
"You've hit the nail on the head."
Barry had confidence in the resourcefulness of the journalist. He felt sure that he had conceived some brilliant plan by which Warrington could be instantly and miraculously—if you will—delivered to Carlton. He wondered why Conway did not tell him all about it. His hints had not given him much satisfaction. So he spoke bluntly:
"What are you trying to do?"
The honest blue eyes of Felix twinkled. Perplexity was drowned in merriment. He threw up both hands in a gesture of abandonment.
"Blest if I know!"
Barry was so amazed at this unexpected reply that he stood stock still at the foot of the Capitol steps.
"You don't know!" he interrogated in a reproachful tone.
"No," replied the other, putting his hands in his pockets, and raising himself up and down on his heels, "I don't know."
"And you left Mr. Carlton believing that you would be back with Warrington at your heels."