The following morning each of the newspapers served by Felix Conway contained an article denouncing the Green Island bill for a Naval Repair Station as a sordid scheme, backed by a combination of unscrupulous land speculators. It did not mince words, and it caused a genuine sensation at the Capitol. Mr. Hartman, the Congressman from the Green Island district, was amazed. He never had much faith in the bill, but he had supposed that it was legitimate at least. He hurried to the Olympic Hotel and presented himself to Dwight Whalley, the chairman of the Green Island boomers. "See here, Whalley," cried the disturbed Congressman, "have you read these articles about the Green Island site?" "Have I?" echoed the Chairman, "I should say so. We've all read them." "Well, what have you got to say?" "Say? Why that I'm as mad as a hatter; we're all mad as hatters." Mr. Hartman waved his hand wearily. "I don't care anything about feelings. I want to know whether the story is true." "True?" he repeated. "Surely you don't intend to pay any attention to a sensational newspaper article." "Don't you?" "No; certainly not." "Very well; now, I know what to do." "Mr. Hartman; Mr. Hartman!" called the Chairman. But the Congressman was already out of sight. Before noon that day a statement appeared, over the signature of Mr. Hartman, in which he disclaimed all further interest in the legislation affecting Green Island. This added fuel to the fire. Before the Committee met that afternoon nearly everyone in and around the Capitol appeared to be interested in the fight over the Naval Repair Station. Carlton was on hand very early. Prior to the meeting he held several whispered conversations with Felix Conway. He was here, there and everywhere. There was an air of aggressiveness about him that boded no good for the opposition. "He seems ready for the battle," suggested one of the Committeemen to another. "Yes," was the reply. "He's ready to fight at the drop of the hat." The Committee was called to order, and the clerk read the Green Island amendment as offered by Congressman Collins. The moment he finished Jesse Hudson got the floor: "I move that the amendment be adopted," he said. Carlton was on his feet instantly. "I think," he said, in purring tones, "that the gentleman has not had the opportunity of reading the articles that appeared in this morning's newspapers, otherwise I'm sure he would not favor this legislation." "I've no time to read sensational newspapers," snapped Hudson. "Then I'll have to enlighten the gentleman," said Carlton, still very polite. "How?" Instead of answering Hudson, the man from Maine looked about him inquiringly: "Is Mr. William Douglass in the room?" he called. In response a square-jawed man advanced to the desk of the Chairman. "Gentlemen," said Carlton, looking about him smilingly, "Mr. Douglass lives on Green Island, and with your permission I want to ask him one or two questions about the Green Island site."