[CHAPTER IX]
AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT
“THIS gentleman has called to see you, sir,” and the messenger handed a visiting card to the Secretary of State, who laid his pen down on his desk and carefully inspected the card.
“Show Mr. Hunter in,” he directed, then looked across at his stenographer. “You need not wait, Jones.”
As the stenographer gathered up his papers and hastened out of the room, Douglas was ushered in, and after a few words of greeting the Secretary motioned him to take the large leather chair placed beside his desk.
“I was sorry not to find you when I called yesterday, Mr. Secretary,” began Douglas.
“I was detained in the West and did not get here until this morning. What do you wish to see me about, Mr. Hunter?”
“First, to thank you for granting me a leave of absence.”
“That is all right. Senator Carew came here and asked as a particular favor to him that you be allowed to return to Washington. By the way, his death was terrible, terrible. His loss will be felt by the whole country.”