Senator Graves was a statesman of the old school. He wore a high silk hat and a long frock coat, and was smoothly shaven and spoke in well modulated sentences. His whole manner and appearance was against the prevailing spirit of speed. "Conway," he said, solemnly, "I understand that you have been printing some sensational stuff. In other words, to put it plainly, I understand that you have been sending out misleading reports concerning members of Congress." "Does anyone make the charge?" asked Conway, quickly. "No," said the Congressman, "but the report is being circulated so persistently that it gives me great annoyance." "I can't meet rumor," said Conway, "but if you can produce anyone who makes such a charge specifically, I shall be glad to face him." "My dear boy," was the reply, "I don't want you to think for a moment that I have any fault to find with you. My experience is that you have never abused the privileges, or broken any of the rules which govern the press galleries of the House or Senate. You know as well as I do how carefully we have tried to guard these privileges, and the measures that have been taken to keep unworthy persons from obtaining access to the floors or galleries of Congress." "I understand it very well, Senator," was the reply, "and for that reason, I am most anxious to clear myself of even a suggestion of having done anything improper." "Well, there is nothing more to say," was the response, "as there are no charges, there can be no investigation." "But," persisted the journalist, "I want an investigation." "What for?" "For my own satisfaction and for your satisfaction. I will regard it as a great favor if you will go into this matter personally." "Well, really," began the other, "I--" "Senator," pleaded Conway, "I want you to do this as a personal favor." "Very well," said the statesman, relenting, "if you put it that way I don't see how I can refuse you." "Thank you, very much, and now if you will fix an hour that will suit your convenience tonight, I shall be glad to bring you the evidence that will convince you that I have acted in good faith." "All right," was the response, "you may meet me at my hotel at eight o'clock." The statesman had started away when Conway called to him: "Oh, Senator, one other word." "What is it," asked Mr. Graves, pausing. "I'd like you to have an expert stenographer at your room." "Why, I didn't think you wanted an official investigation." "I don't." "Well, then, what do you want a man to take notes for?" "I don't. I simply want a stenographer who can read the notes of another person." Mr. Graves looked puzzled. "Well, have it your own way. I'll be there, and have a stenographer in attendance also." Promptly at eight o'clock that night Felix Conway reported at the rooms of Senator Graves. Barry Wynn was with him, and carried in his pocket the book he had used in making his shorthand notes of the afternoon meeting.