CHAPTER VIII AN UNEXPECTED MOVE
Mr. Carlton now had his Naval Repair Station measure in good shape and he considered the time ripe for its introduction in the House of Representatives. One morning, when the Speaker called for new bills, he handed in the typewritten document on which all of his ambitions and his hopes were pinned.
"The bill presented by the Gentleman from Maine is referred to the Committee on Naval Affairs," announced the Speaker.
Barry, who had carried the precious draft from the Congressman's desk to the Speaker's platform, could not resist the opportunity of whispering a word of exaltation to his patron.
"She's in at last, Mr. Carlton," he said, "and you ought to feel proud and happy."
The Congressman sighed.
"She's in, Barry, but that's only the first step in the battle."