The legislator lay back in his chair and laughed with undisguised enjoyment.
"I am glad of it. I am heartily glad of it," he said. "It proves that there is one person in Washington who is not likely to be afflicted with the awful disease which goes down here under the name of 'swelled head.'"
The boy's eyes were globular with wonder.
"I don't suppose you know what I am talking about, Barry, do you?"
"No," was the simple response, "I do not."
"Well, I'll tell you," said the Congressman, speaking very slowly. "You came mighty near making yourself famous in the House yesterday. Your alacrity in bringing Warrington to us was the means of saving a very important bill. If he had not come at the time he did, the measure would have been delayed and probably beaten. As it was, you helped us to win the day. The measure, that is now sure of success, gives the President of the United States the right to withdraw certain public lands for the benefit of future generations. It is a part of what is popularly known as the Conservation Movement."
"I am glad that I was useful," said Barry.
"You are not half so glad as I am," said the Congressman, "and I am delighted to know that you take it so sensibly. You simply did your duty, and if you continue to do your duty in this modest sort of way I know that you will be a success."
The telephone bell rang and Mr. Carlton answered it. As he hung up the receiver the boy said:
"I was told that you wanted to see me this morning."