In the Best Families

Zeck damn' near smiled. “I shouldn't think it will be needed. If it is needed we'll have it.

“Then why drag him in on a complicated operation? He's worth what, three million? Ask him for half of it, or even a third.

“No. You have much to learn, Goodwin. People must not be deprived of hope. If we take a large share of Rackham's fortune he will be convinced that we intend to wring him dry. People must be allowed to feel that if our demands are met the outlook is not intolerable. A basic requirement for continued success in illicit enterprises is a sympathetic understanding of the limitations of the human nervous system. Getting Rackham's help in Roeder's operation will leave plenty of room for future requests.

I was keeping my frown. “Which I may or may not have a hand in. Don't think I'm playing hard to get, but this is quite a step to take. Using a threat of a murder rap to put the screws on a millionaire is a little too drastic without pretty good assurance that I get more than peanuts. You said five per cent of a probable half a million, but you're used to talking big figures. Could I have that filled in a little?

Roeder reached for a battered old leather brief-case which he had brought in with him and deposited on the floor. Getting it on his lap, he had it opened when Zeck asked him, “What are you after, the estimates?

“Yes, if you want them.

“You may show them to him, but no names. Zeck turned to me. “I think you may do, Goodwin. You're brash, but that is a quality that may be made use of. You used it when you talked with Rackham. He must be led into this with tact or he may lose his head and force our hand, and all we want is his co-operation. His conviction for murder wouldn't help us any; quite the contrary. Properly handled, he should be of value to us for years.

The shark eyes left me. “What's your opinion of Goodwin, Roeder? Can you work with him?

Roeder had closed the brief-case and kept it on his lap. “I can try, he said, not enthusiastically. “The general level here is no higher than on the coast.

But we can't get started until we know whether we have Rackham or not, and the approach through Goodwin does seem the best way. He's so damned cocky I don't know whether he'll take direction.

“Would you care to have my opinion of Roeder? I inquired.