‘I’m not surprised. Hold them both.’
[Why was the Professor suspicious of the Carroll brothers?]
55
Tragedy at the Convention
The Convention was in an uproar! The Drys were making a determined stand and showing some unexpected last-minute strength.
The Wets were shouting, clamoring, and stamping. The Chairman was vainly trying to restore order amid a scene of wild confusion.
As the excitement reached its pitch, Hurlenson, a powerful leader of the Wets, told a companion seated next to him that he felt a heart attack coming on and was going back to the hotel.
An hour later, the Convention was stunned to learn he had committed suicide in his room.
Professor Fordney, a guest at the Convention, went immediately to the hotel.
In Hurlenson’s room he found the police, the doctor, and Pollert, an influential delegate, who had discovered him.
‘The last time I saw Hurlenson was at the party last night, and he seemed in excellent spirits,’ said Pollert. ‘I arose late this morning—my room’s down at the other end of the corridor—and I was just leaving for the Convention hall when I heard a shot. I dashed directly here, but it was too late. He must have died immediately.’