"If we can carry out my plan successfully--and it seems to be safe, and
certain, and almost free from risk--there will be no necessity hereafter
for any of us to engage in any crooked dealings whatever. Indeed, to take
up cleanly ways would be the part of wisdom. Or, young as you are, you
will be able to retire, if you prefer, sure of every gratification that
money can buy."

"Necessity doesn't make me a crook. I'm crooked by nature. I like
crookedness," said Pelman. "That's why I'm with you."

"Now, Joey, don't talk--"

"Don't you 'Joey' me!" exploded the demon clerk. "It was 'fool' this
afternoon. I'm Pelman when there's any nerve needed for your schemes; but
when you smile at me and call me Joey, what I say is--one-third!"

"You devil! I ought to wring your neck!"

"Try it! I'll stab your black heart with a corkscrew! I've studied it all
out, and I've carried a corkscrew on purpose ever since I've known you.
Thirty-three and one-third per cent. Three-ninths. Proceed!"

Mitchell paced the floor for a few furious seconds before he began again.

"You remember Mayer Zurich, whom we helped through that fake bankruptcy
at Syracuse?"

"Three-ninths?"

"Yes, damn you!"