"I wish I could. It was all right a few weeks ago, but since this factional fight has sprung up, I hardly know where we stand. You know these contests create enmities that are hard to heal. It's another case of the killed and wounded. You fellows may win your fight against Hudson and his crowd, but my poor bill for the erection of a Naval Repair Station in Cleverly may be numbered among the killed." "I never thought of that part of it," said Felix, "and I am mighty sorry to know that your interests have been put in jeopardy. If I had to do it over again I'd probably change my tactics." Carlton took Felix by both hands. He spoke fervently: "My dear boy," he said, "I wouldn't have you do any such thing for the world. I haven't a single regret for anything that has been done. I have been simply trying to look the situation in the face. I know I'm up against a hard fight and I don't want to deceive myself,--that's all. I am not repining in the least, and you will discover that I am not afraid of the fight." Conway's face brightened again. "Now, you make me feel better," he said, "but, seriously, don't you think you will get away with the trick?" "Yes, I do. It's going to be mighty close, but I think I'll win." "When is the meeting?" "It has been called for three o'clock tomorrow afternoon." "By George! That's short notice." "Yes, it is, and that's why I have been giving some serious thought to the proposition. I have counted noses a dozen times today, and I am willing to take my oath that I have got a sure majority of two votes." "That's good, but it's close." "Yes, but in a hot race a nose is as good as a mile." Conway seemed lost in thought for a while. Presently he spoke in a tone of half admiration and half wonder: "You know, Mr. Carlton," he said, "the more I think of it the more I am surprised at what you have told me." "What do you mean?" "I simply mean that in the face of this bitter factional fight it is almost a miracle that an overwhelming majority of the Committee has not declared against your bill." "Oh, I don't know about that," was the calm rejoinder. "Men can't afford to lose their heads altogether. Besides, there are other members that have bills that they want passed." "What do you mean by that?" was the quick interrogation. "I mean that successful legislation is largely a matter of compromise." Barry, who had been listening, now spoke firmly but with due deference. "I don't like to hear you talk like that," he said, "it doesn't sound right." The Congressman laughed. "I am surprised to hear you talking in such a strain, Barry. I thought that a boy of your experience would know that life is a game of give and take. The men that come to Washington to represent their constituents simply carry out this universal law in a concrete way." The page boy shook his head laughingly. "Now, you 're getting too deep for me," he said. "If you go much farther I won't be able to follow you at all."