So you're a private detective. I didn't know they existed, except in books. Or else they were greasy little men snooping around hotel corridors. My, you're a mess, aren't you?

I'm not very tall either. Next time, I'll come on stilts, wear a white tie and carry a tennis racket.

I doubt if even that would help. Now this business of Dad's. You think you can handle it for him?

It shouldn't be too tough.

Really? I would have thought a case like that took a little effort.

Not too much.

What will your first step be?

The usual one.

I didn't know there was a usual one.

Oh sure there is. It comes complete with diagrams on page forty-seven of 'How to Be a Detective in Ten Easy Lessons' correspondence school textbook. And, uh, your father offered me a drink.

You must have read another one on how to be a comedian.

Did you hear what I said about the drink?

I'm quite serious, Mr. Marlowe, my father...

I said your father...

Help yourself! Now look, Mr. Marlowe. My father's not well, and I want this case handled with the least possible worry to him.

That's just the way I was going to handle it.

I see. No professional secrets?

Nope.

I thought you wanted a drink.

I've changed my mind.

Then what - ? How did you like Dad?

I liked him.

He liked Sean, Sean Regan. I suppose you know who he is.

Uh, huh.

You don't have to play poker with me, Mr. Marlowe. Dad wants to find him, doesn't he?

Do you?

Of course I do. It wasn't right for him to go off like that. He broke Dad's heart, although he won't say much about it. Or did he?

Why don't you ask him?

You know, I don't see what there is to be cagey about, Mr. Marlowe. And I don't like your manners.

I'm not crazy about yours. I didn't ask to see you. I don't mind if you don't like my manners. I don't like them myself. They're pretty bad. I grieve over them long winter evenings. And I don't mind your ritzing me, or drinking your lunch out of a bottle, but don't waste your time trying to cross-examine me.

People don't talk to me like that.

Ohhh.

Do you always think you can handle people like, uh, trained seals?

Uh, huh. I usually get away with it, too.

How nice for you.

Just what is it you're afraid of?

Dad didn't want to talk to you about Sean at all, did he?

Didn't he?

Would you find him if Dad wanted you to?

Maybe...I'm wasting your time. Goodbye, Mrs. Rutledge.