John Carlton was greatly chagrined at the turn of affairs. He was prepared for open opposition, but how could he fight a foe who remained in the dark? Green Island was not in Collins' district. So it was plain that the amendment was inspired by someone else. Carlton tried to find out who this one was and failed. Felix Conway was called into consultation and the two men went to the Congressman's office, where they discussed the question for more than an hour. But when they finished they were no nearer a solution than in the beginning. Just as they arose the door opened and Barry Wynn came into the room. He was breathless. "Mr. Carlton!" he cried. "Mr. Carlton!" "Well, what is it?" "I've found out who got Mr. Collins to offer that amendment." Both men were on their feet. They spoke simultaneously. "Who was it?" "It was Congressman Hudson," replied the boy. CHAPTER IX ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART Barry had obtained the information which he had given his patron, in the most commonplace way. After the session of the Committee, he was sitting in the corner of the room talking to Joe Hart, when Jesse Hudson and Mr. Collins came along talking very earnestly. Hudson said to the other: "Much obliged for offering that Green Island bill. I'll do as much for you some day." That was enough for Barry. He realized the importance of this disclosure and hastened to tell Mr. Carlton. He met with some delay in locating him, but finally found him in his own room with Felix Conway, where he made his startling announcement. Ten minutes after exploding this verbal bomb, Barry started home with Joe Hart. On the way it occurred to him that he was beginning to have a genuine affection for the mischievous page boy. Joe was as full of pranks as an egg is full of meat, but Barry was quick to learn that none of his tricks were cruel or mean. He was simply overflowing with animal spirits. He was capable also, quick to know what was required of him, and prompt to act. Joe Hart was not prepossessing to look upon. He had a thick thatch of red hair, a freckled face, and stub nose, and a pair of blue eyes that gazed upon you with a look of appealing inquiry and the innocence of an angel. "Joe," said Barry one day, "you must have been a terror at school." "Yes," replied Joe, with a comical twist of the mouth, "whenever any of the boys were bad, the teacher lathered me. He said he couldn't go wrong." "The Sergeant-at-Arms of the House is very fond of you," suggested Barry. "He must be," replied Joe, "he scolds me so much." Barry had been in Washington three weeks, when he came home one evening about eleven o'clock and found Mrs. Johnson, his landlady, in tears. He was very much exercised at this unexpected sight. It was as though he had found his own mother crying. "Why, what's the matter?" he asked. "It is all about Joe Hart," she said, lifting a corner of her apron and furtively wiping away the tears. "Why, what about him, Mrs. Johnson?"