“And if the current comes—” began the visitor.
“When it comes,” the other corrected, “it will jump to that plate and go off harmlessly—I hope.”
“And then what? How does that let you out?”
“Then we will see,” said the presidential figure. “And you’ve been here long enough, Chief. Send in the President’s secretary as you go out.”
“He arose to place a friendly, patronizing hand on the other’s shoulder.
“Good-by,” he said, “and watch that electrician at twelve. He is to throw the big switch when I call.”
“Good luck,” said the big man huskily. “We’ve got to hand it to you, Del; you’re—”
“Good-by!” The figure of the Chief Executive turned abruptly to his desk.
There was more careful acting—another conference—some dictating. The clock on the desk gave the time as eleven fifty-five. The man before the flat topped desk verified it by a surreptitious glance at his watch. He dismissed the secretary and busied himself with some personal writing.