"Very well; now, I know what to do."
"Mr. Hartman; Mr. Hartman!" called the Chairman.
But the Congressman was already out of sight. Before noon that day a statement appeared, over the signature of Mr. Hartman, in which he disclaimed all further interest in the legislation affecting Green Island. This added fuel to the fire. Before the Committee met that afternoon nearly everyone in and around the Capitol appeared to be interested in the fight over the Naval Repair Station.
Carlton was on hand very early. Prior to the meeting he held several whispered conversations with Felix Conway. He was here, there and everywhere. There was an air of aggressiveness about him that boded no good for the opposition.
"He seems ready for the battle," suggested one of the Committeemen to another.
"Yes," was the reply. "He's ready to fight at the drop of the hat."
The Committee was called to order, and the clerk read the Green Island amendment as offered by Congressman Collins. The moment he finished Jesse Hudson got the floor:
"I move that the amendment be adopted," he said.
Carlton was on his feet instantly.