"What's in the wind?" he asked, in his affable way. "It must be important when a Congressman and a journalist call together." "It is," said Mr. Carlton, soberly. "It's about the proposed new Naval Repair Station." "So that's got out, has it?" he remarked, musingly. "Well, it's not exactly public property, but we've learned enough to know that Congress will take up the matter at this session." "Really, it's no secret," admitted the Secretary, "and I'm frank enough to say that we need it very badly at this time. What's the use of spending millions of dollars in creating a first-class Navy unless we keep the battleships in first-class condition. We have a number of good navy yards, but we could use an additional Naval Repair Station to great advantage." "I know that, and I'm going to offer a bill in Congress at an early day." "You are?" "I am, and I would naturally like to have the support of the Department." "Of course," said the Secretary, hesitatingly, "it would be impossible to pledge myself in advance." "I understand that perfectly," was the prompt reply. "I have been on the Naval Committee of the House long enough to know that these things must come up in an orderly manner and go through the regular channels." "Certainly, certainly," echoed the cabinet officer, relieved to know that he was not going to be asked to depart from the usual method of procedure. "I came today," continued the Congressman, "to show you a set of plans that have been prepared for a Naval Repair Station at Cleverly. I don't want to go at this matter blindly. I want you to look at our papers. Of course, later on they will be submitted to any Board of Experts that you may see fit to appoint." "I'm sure that I would be delighted to look them over," was the quick response. Thereupon Mr. Carlton drew forth the bulky envelope that had been entrusted to Barry on his departure from Cleverly. The Secretary became interested at once. In order to get a better view of the papers the three men walked over to a large flat-top table in the centre of the room. Here the blue prints were spread out and held down with paperweights in order that they might be intelligently studied. The Congressman, who knew his subject by heart, explained the advantages to be gained by locating the station at Cleverly. The Secretary asked many questions, which were answered promptly, satisfactorily and with confidence. "How much of an appropriation did you think of asking for?" "A million dollars," replied the Congressman. "That would not pay the entire cost of the station," said the Secretary. "No; but it would answer all present needs. Additions could be made from time to time." Presently the Secretary pressed a button and a messenger appeared. "Tell the Admiral I would like to see him at his convenience," he said.