The following morning each of the newspapers served by Felix Conway contained an article denouncing the Green Island bill for a Naval Repair Station as a sordid scheme, backed by a combination of unscrupulous land speculators. It did not mince words, and it caused a genuine sensation at the Capitol. Mr. Hartman, the Congressman from the Green Island district, was amazed. He never had much faith in the bill, but he had supposed that it was legitimate at least. He hurried to the Olympic Hotel and presented himself to Dwight Whalley, the chairman of the Green Island boomers.
"See here, Whalley," cried the disturbed Congressman, "have you read these articles about the Green Island site?"
"Have I?" echoed the Chairman, "I should say so. We've all read them."
"Well, what have you got to say?"
"Say? Why that I'm as mad as a hatter; we're all mad as hatters."
Mr. Hartman waved his hand wearily.
"I don't care anything about feelings. I want to know whether the story is true."
"True?" he repeated. "Surely you don't intend to pay any attention to a sensational newspaper article."
"Don't you?"
"No; certainly not."