"Oh!" exclaimed Tom blankly. Then he pushed aside a small valise on the opposite seat and took its place. The frown on the senator's face grew.
"Reporter?" he asked laconically.
"Yes," answered Tom. "I'm from the Washington World. I just missed you at the hotel so I took the liberty of following you to the train." Tom thought that sounded pretty well and paused to see what impression it had created. The result was disappointing.
"Well?" asked the senator coldly.
"The World would like to know what decision was reached at last night's conference, senator."
"I don't doubt it," answered the senator dryly. "Look here," he continued with asperity, "I've refused to talk to at least two dozen reporters and correspondents to-day. The results of last night's conference will be made public by Senator Goodman and myself at the proper time and place; and not until then. And that is all that I can tell you."
"But—" began Tom.
"Understand me, please; I will say nothing more on the subject."
"Will you give me some idea as to when the proper time will be?" asked Tom respectfully.
"No, I can't do that either. Perhaps to-morrow; perhaps not for several days."