The president was behind her. He looked at the handles of the vault, which had been bent like hair-pins, and he stooped to examine the shattered bolts. Then his eyes travelled to Hugo. There was a profoundly startled expression in them.
The clerk was sobbing. Presently he stopped. "Who got me out?"
They indicated Hugo and he crossed the floor on tottering feet. "Thanks, mister," he said piteously. "Oh, my God, what a wonderful thing to do! I—I just passed out when I saw your fingers reaching around—"
"Never mind," Hugo interrupted. "It's all right, buddy."
The president touched his shoulder. "Come up to my office." A doctor arrived. Several people left. Others stood around the demolished door.
The president was alone when Hugo entered and sat down. He was cold and he eyed Hugo coldly. "How did you do that?"
Hugo shrugged. "That's my secret, Mr. Mills."
"Pretty clever, I'd say."
"Not when you know how." Hugo was puzzled. His ancient reticence about himself was acting together with a natural modesty.
"Some new explosive?"