Gutenleigh looked uncomfortable.
"What did they promise you, Sam?" he thundered, wondering wildly what counter promises he could make.
Even Senator Stilson was shocked by Bud's violent outburst. Bud was famous for his rabid thundering against subversives, but no one had expected him to have the courage to open such hysterical fire on his Senate colleagues. Senator Stilson said, "I resent your attitude, sir!"
"Gentlemen, Gentlemen," Senator Rawlins said. "A little moderation, please."
"I'm for them, damn you!" Bud cried. "You're all in a conspiracy—a filthy conspiracy—against me!"
"If you don't sit down, I will summon an officer and have you removed bodily from this Chamber," Senator Stilson said.
They were all looking at Bud. With a great display of reluctance, he sank to his seat. He refused to look at Senator Stilson. He sulked and plotted revenge. And remembered Frank and hated everybody.
The vote proceeded routinely. Three members voted to recommend that the Senate reject the starmen's offer. Senator Rawlins abstained, and Bud voted that the Senate accept it.
The committee meeting broke up. Senators Klein and Stilson went out to gather up opposition Senators. They lobbied far into the night.
Nor was Bud to be outdone.