"Don't talk to me now," cried the other, impatiently. "Don't you see that I'm busy?" "You can't be too busy to talk business," was the angry retort. "I want you to know that I can't support your Garner bill. I'm simply telling you this, so that you can be under no false impressions in the matter." "Why, what's the matter?" asked Hudson, simulating a look of surprise. "Well, I'm sorry to say the matter is that I don't think it's a fit bill to vote for." "What do you mean?" "Just what I say. After you left me this morning, I got a report of the House Committee that was made nearly ten years ago, and it seems very conclusive to me--so conclusive that I've made up my mind to fight your bill." "Oh, you're splitting hairs," cried Hudson, in a tone of annoyance. "Well, you can give it any name you like." "But, see here, Carlton," cried Hudson, eagerly, "I won't ask you to vote for it if you don't feel like doing so; but promise me one thing." "What's that?" "Don't make a speech against it. Don't oppose it openly. It's backed by some of the most important men in my district--men who can make or break me." "I can't make any more promises," said Carlton, and he moved slowly back to his own seat. In the meantime the House was giving close consideration to the Garner claim. Near the end of the debate Jesse Hudson arose and made a strong speech in favor of the passage of the bill. The sentiment of the House seemed strongly for the heirs. If the members had taken a vote after Hudson's speech, the chances are that the bill would have become a law. But just at that critical moment John Carlton rose in his place and was recognized by the Speaker. "Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen," he said, with great deliberation, "before the House votes on the bill that is now pending, I desire to read a copy of the report that was made on this very claim by a Committee of this House ten years ago. The members can find the document by referring to their files, volume II, page 1072." There was a lifting of desk lids and a scurrying of page boys, and every member in the House seemed seized with a desire to get a copy of the document in question. In the meantime John Carlton read the report in slow, measured tones. As he concluded he said: "Mr. Speaker, I have no comment whatever to make upon this report. I merely call it to your attention. For my own part, after reading that report, I cannot see my way clear to vote for this bill." It was as though a bomb shell had been thrown into a quiet, peaceable gathering. Members stood on their feet, and talked, and gesticulated, while the Speaker vainly motioned the members to their seats. Presently, the calling of the roll brought order out of chaos. Hudson ran from one member to another imploring them to vote for his bill, but it was too late. When the vote was announced it was found that the Garner claim had been overwhelmingly defeated.