"This seems irregular," protested Hudson. "It may seem irregular," was the retort, "but you'll find it will be all right." "What do you hope to demonstrate through Mr. Douglass?" asked the Chairman. "That this whole Green Island proposition is a land speculation scheme," retorted the Congressman sternly. The members all looked up at this grave statement. Everyone was paying the closest attention. "Now, Mr. Douglass," said Carlton, "you're well acquainted with this property, are you not?" "I know every inch of the ground." "Do you know the owners of it?" "I did know the old owners." "What do you mean by the old owners?" "I mean that the entire property has changed hands during the last few months." "Since it first became known that the Government intended to build a Naval Repair Station?" "Exactly." "Now, Mr. Douglass, these new owners are offering this property to the Government for one hundred dollars an acre. What did they pay for the land?" "Less than twenty-five dollars an acre." "That's all," said Carlton, promptly. There was a hum of excited voices. Hudson protested that the price of the land had nothing to do with the case, but his argument was lost in the din. A ballot was called for, and the Green Island amendment was overwhelmingly beaten, only two votes being recorded in its favor. CHAPTER XII SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE For twenty-four hours after the defeat of the Green Island bill John Carlton was kept busy responding to congratulations. Barry Wynn was one of those who ventured to express his joy to the Congressman. "I'm awfully glad you've won the fight," said the boy. The statesman beamed on the youngster. "You mean well, Barry," he exclaimed, "but I'm afraid you're a little previous." "But you beat them." Mr. Carlton nodded. "Yes, we defeated their bill, but we haven't passed our own!" "But you will." "I hope so, but I know we're going to have a terrific battle. Hudson and the others are bitter over their defeat, and they'll move Heaven and Earth to beat the man from Cleverly." The session was now drawing near its close, and Mr. Carlton knew that if he was to get his bill through, he would have to get action by the Committee. Accordingly he had a day fixed when the members agreed to hear the citizens of Cleverly. That accomplished, he wired Mr. Smithers to be sure and have his committee in Washington at the time appointed. The caution was heeded, for when the great day arrived, Mr. Carlton received word that the delegation had reached the Capitol city. Barry tried to locate them but failed. He did not know at what time they reached Washington, or where they were domiciled. The only thing he could do was to possess his soul in patience. The public hearing was scheduled for two o'clock in the afternoon in the Committee room, and Barry felt that they would be likely to appear there before the hour indicated.