He had been there before, and was recognized when he entered.
He was at once conducted into the presence of the president.
To him he delivered the parcel of bonds.
"That will do, Mr. Carver," said the president. "You may go outside while I examine them."
He was ushered into the ordinary room, and waited five minutes. He was trying to brace himself for an outburst of surprise, perhaps of stormy indignation, and searching cross-examination, when the president presented himself at the door of his private office.
"That will do," he said. "You can go, Mr. Carver."
Carver stared at him in blank amazement. This was precisely what he did not expect.
"Have you examined the bonds?" he asked.
"Of course," answered the president.
"And you find them all right?" continued the messenger, with irrepressible surprise.