Sleep ladened, Herb sank down across from the Oligarch.
"The necessity for rushing them into a hasty decision is unfortunate," the Oligarch said.
Herb sat hating. The words scarcely penetrated into his confused being. The turmoil was worse than ever.
"... I have been studying the reports. Three members of the Committee, as it stands now, oppose us. And listen...."
"Yes."
"They will be sure to try to end the hearings tomorrow."
"Yes," Herb repeated dully.
"It will go to the full Senate. We have requested a decision within a week. That may not be sufficient time for the popular sentiment of the country to crystallize in our favor. A few determined men may be able to defeat us."
Herb felt a little shudder crawl along his mind. Then his thoughts whirled away.
"It will be infinitely more difficult to win the crucial support of Senators Klein, Stilson and Council after the Committee hearings end. We must bring them to our side. They have become the focal point of the opposition. We must prolong the Committee hearings until we have convinced them. If we can convince them, the full Senate will go along. We'll have ripped the heart out of the opposition."