Tears were in the eyes of both men.

But each felt that he was heeding the call of duty, and neither had ever been known to falter.

Belton returned to his room and retired to rest.
Bernard called his messenger and sent him for every man of prominence in the Congress of the Imperium.
They all slept in the building.

The leaders got out of bed and hurried to the president.

He laid before them the plan he had shown Belton.
They all accepted it and pronounced it good.