midnight
`` It do n't resemble its ancient dignity but it fits its modern style like a glove . '' There being no law against making offensive remarks about U. S. Senators , this conversation , and others like it , continued without let or hindrance . But our business is with the investigating committee . Mr. Noble appeared before the Committee of the Senate ; and testified to the following effect : He said that he was a member of the State legislature of the Happy-Land-of-Canaan ; that on the -- day of ------ he assembled himself together at the city of Saint 's Rest , the capital of the State , along with his brother legislators ; that he was known to be a political enemy of Mr. Dilworthy and bitterly opposed to his re-election ; that Mr. Dilworthy came to Saint 's Rest and reported to be buying pledges of votes with money ; that the said Dilworthy sent for him to come to his room in the hotel at night , and he went ; was introduced to Mr. Dilworthy ; called two or three times afterward at Dilworthy 's request -- usually after midnight ; Mr. Dilworthy urged him to vote for him Noble declined ; Dilworthy argued ; said he was bound to be elected , and could then ruin him -LRB- Noble -RRB- if he voted no ; said he had every railway and every public office and stronghold of political power in the State under his thumb , and could set up or pull down any man he chose ; gave instances showing where and how he had used this power ; if Noble would vote for him he would make him a Representative in Congress ; Noble still declined to vote , and said he did not believe Dilworthy was going to be elected ; Dilworthy showed a list of men who would vote for him -- a majority of the legislature ; gave further proofs of his power by telling Noble everything the opposing party had done or said in secret caucus ; claimed that his spies reported everything to him , and that -- Here a member of the Committee objected that this evidence was irrelevant and also in opposition to the spirit of the Committee 's instructions , because if these things reflected upon any one it was upon Mr. Dilworthy . The chairman said , let the person proceed with his statement -- the Committee could exclude evidence that did not bear upon the case . Mr. Noble continued . He said that his party would cast him out if he voted for Mr , Dilworthy ; Dilwortby said that that would inure to his benefit because he would then be a recognized friend of his -LRB- Dilworthy 's -RRB- and he could consistently exalt him politically and make his fortune ; Noble said he was poor , and it was hard to tempt him so ; Dilworthy said he would fix that ; he said , `` Tell , me what you want , and say you will vote for me ; '' Noble could not say ; Dilworthy said `` I will give you $ 5,000 . ''