Whereupon Mr. Carlton presented a number of minor bills. Barry was at his elbow, and taking the papers hurried to the Speaker's platform and had the satisfaction of seeing the bills referred to the various Committees of the House.
After his measures had been safely disposed of, John Carlton made a search for Jesse Hudson. He had determined to inform him that he would not support the bill in favor of the Garner heirs. When he reached Hudson's seat, he found that gentleman busily engaged in conversation with another man, but that did not deter him. He broke in between the two and said:
"Hudson, I'd like to speak to you for a moment."
The other frowned and waved his hand, saying:
"You will have to excuse me. I am very busy at present."
Carlton walked back to his own seat very much dissatisfied. Fifteen minutes later he noticed that Hudson was disengaged and walked over in his direction. The moment Hudson saw him, however, he slipped out of his seat and left the House. The inference was obvious. Hudson was trying to evade Carlton. The business of the House continued for about half an hour and then the clerk, in stentorian tones, announced that the next business in order was the consideration of the bill granting relief to the heirs of Samuel Garner. Hudson was in his seat. Carlton grasped the opportunity and was by his side in an instant.
"Hudson," he said, "I've been trying to reach you all morning to tell you that I can't support—"
"Don't talk to me now," cried the other, impatiently. "Don't you see that I'm busy?"
"You can't be too busy to talk business," was the angry retort. "I want you to know that I can't support your Garner bill. I'm simply telling you this, so that you can be under no false impressions in the matter."
"Why, what's the matter?" asked Hudson, simulating a look of surprise.