"So we're all set now!" Ferret exulted.
"The bonus," declared Judge, "will account for just about all that we can take. There will be profits after this — but we are going to be working in a circle. It's going to be a question now of easing ourselves out of the picture."
"How will you work it, Judge?" asked Butcher.
"I think," said Judge, "that it will not be long before David Traver will receive an offer to assume the presidency of a prominent Eastern bank. So attractive an offer, that he will be forced to resign — much against his will — the position which he holds here in Middletown."
"You think you can work it through Bronlon?" asked Major.
"Certainly," replied Judge. "In the meantime, the expansion of the Middletown Trust Company, with the establishment of branches to replace those of the defunct County National Bank, will mean a shifting of cashier and tellers. Their departure will be unnoticed."
"There's going to be a blow-off, some day," said Butcher, in a worried tone. "Those numbers—"
"Certainly," said Judge sagely. "But it will be long deferred. When it arrives, the successor of David Traver will be the one who is holding the bag. You know how these discoveries are. They always set them closer than the time they actually happened."
"Right," agreed Major.
Ferret shifted uneasily in his chair. He was glancing toward the little hallway that led to the outer door. Butcher noted his action.