"The other fellows say the same thing," suggested the Secretary. "See here," cried the Congressman, "you don't intend to indorse this Green Island scheme, do you?" The Secretary became serious. "Certainly not. I have already placed the seal of my approval on the Cleverly site. I believe this is the very best location we could get on the Atlantic Coast. But, that is merely my say-so." "It's sufficient," protested Carlton, stubbornly. "I hope so; but you mustn't underestimate the shrewdness of the fellows who are against you." "You wouldn't let it go through, would you?" cried the Congressman, in alarm. "Not if I could help it, but the thing might get beyond my control." "How?" "Well, I suppose you know that we are in urgent need of this Naval Repair Station?" "I'm sure of it." "You know, in fact, that we must have it at once." "Yes." "Well, suppose these fellows pass the Green Island bill and then have Congress adjourn." "Well?" "Picture the position in which I would be placed. If I ask the President to veto the bill, I am put in the attitude of killing a project for which I have been fighting." "But not in the same place." "No; not in the same place. But the difference in the desirability of the sites might not be considered sufficient cause for killing the bill after it comes from Congress." "I see." "Of course, you see. Now, it's up to you to defeat the Green Island scheme, and after that to pass the Cleverly bill." "It's a pretty big contract to give to one man." The Secretary laughed. "Your shoulders are broad. Besides, I'm sure you must have some good friends." "No one ever had better ones," was the fervent retort. "Well, enlist them in your cause. Good-bye, and good luck to you," were the final words of the Cabinet officer. John Carlton left with a smiling face, but down in his heart he had grave misgivings. As he entered the hall of the House he met Barry Wynn. "Well, my boy," he said with outward cheerfulness that never deserted him, "what's new?" "A great deal," replied the young page. "The members have been handing in petitions this morning in favor of placing the Naval Repair Station at Green Island." "Many of them?" "Hundreds and hundreds of them. Why it looked like a snow storm of white papers. They came from all parts of the House." "Did you say they were all on the same kind of paper?" "No, I didn't," retorted Barry; "but now that you speak of it, they were all on one kind of paper." Mr. Carlton nodded his head knowingly. "It's just as I thought. This is not a natural outburst from the people. It's a scheme--a set-up job." Barry looked at him helplessly. "Can I do anything?" he asked, finally. The Congressman was plunged in thought. Finally he looked up at the boy: