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 ask for Cooney, and let it slip that he wants to see the old man about a paid-up policy. That ’ll start the Buntzes in the direction we want them to move. Then you can have Fisher, as agent of the insurance company, write a letter to Cooney telling him that the cash value of the policy is only fifteen hundred dollars. And Cooney can consult the machinist about the letter. Understand? If the machinist comes to 1047, Fisher can take care of him. Arrange for that.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then we ’ll have Lear’s two daughters up against the proposition that if they drive their father out on the street, he ’ll have to sell his policy and they ’ll lose five thousand by it. And unless I ’m a false prophet, each one ’ll begin trying to edge the other out of the old man’s affections, so as to get the whole five thousand for herself. And Mr. Cooney will be happy as long as he can keep his secret.”

“Gee!” Barney said, “that ’s a peach.”

“Good. I ’m glad you like it. Go ahead,