Lee Bowman

Matthew Stoker: Where are those Bibles? Rausch!
[Rausch strikes Archer]
Matthew Stoker: Now Mr. Archer, why did you check a dictionary and an almanac at the library? Or would you rather have another waltz with our friend Rausch here?
Gilbert Archer: How'd you get those books?
Matthew Stoker: I never worry about technicalities, Mr. Archer. Our estimable Rausch persuaded the attendant to give the package to him. You have yourself to blame for what happened. The unfortunate check clerk is now in the emergency hospital in a very precarious condition. Now, why did you check those books in the library?
Gilbert Archer: To throw King Kong off my trail.
Matthew Stoker: I gave you a retainer, Mr. Archer. Where are those Bibles?
Gilbert Archer: What's your hurry? Afraid a couple of murders are going to catch up with you?
Matthew Stoker: I assure you, Mr. Archer, I do not find murder particularly distasteful when necessary. However at the moment, I shall be content with ordering Rausch to beat you within an inch of your life. Where are those Bibles?
Gilbert Archer: Now wait! I'll tell you. Give me a drink first. A Bible isn't always a Bible.
Matthew Stoker: What do you mean by that?
Gilbert Archer: Joshua led his troops seven times around the city of Jericho. Remember, Reverend? Did you look on page seven of this dictionary?

---

Rev. George Bradford: [Rausch walks in] You brought everything, Rausch?
[He nods]
Rev. George Bradford: Good work. I'm glad you got here all right.
Gilbert Archer: Mr. Helms got here all right too, didn't he - in the trunk.
Matthew Stoker: You know that too, Mr. Archer?
Gilbert Archer: Yeah, I know that. You came back to Helms' apartment to get rid of the trunk, but you found me there when you arrived. I found the trunk ready to be shipped, yet two of his suits were still hanging in his closet. Obviously there wasn't room for them. I still wasn't sure, but when you were so eager to have Helms' belongings taken to your home, I was convinced his body was in the trunk.
Rev. George Bradford: Right. The trunk is here now, and tonight it'll be at the bottom of the East River. Maybe you'll be there too, Archer.
Matthew Stoker: But first, Mr. Archer, we're going to your apartment, and you're going to tell the desk clerk to get that missing page out of the safe. After we've conducted our business, you may find that trunk a bit cramped, but you won't mind the inconvenience - then.
[the police come in]
Gilbert Archer: I completely forgot to tell you. The police were following the trunk.

---

Gilbert Archer: Come in, Reverend. I've been expecting you.
Matthew Stoker: Were you indeed, Mr. Archer?
Gilbert Archer: Make yourself comfortable. What'll you have, scotch or bourbon?
Matthew Stoker: Bourbon, please. I indulge on rare occasions.
Gilbert Archer: Naturally. Why not? If you consult your Bible, you'll find a verse that prescribes a little wine for your stomach's sake.
Matthew Stoker: Mr. Archer, you're a never-ending source of amazement. And you have a Bible! Now isn't that...
Gilbert Archer: Cozy? Yes. Sit down, sit down, Reverend.
Matthew Stoker: Thank you.
Gilbert Archer: How's Mrs. Stoker, and your choirboy Rausch?
Matthew Stoker: Oh, both very well, thank you. Madame had a previous engagement or she'd have come with me. As for Rausch - well, I thought that on this occasion we could dispense with his impetuosity.
Gilbert Archer: Well, I was sure you'd bring him with you, knowing how stubborn I am to do business with.
Matthew Stoker: Yes, Mr. Archer, but this time I came convinced that you'd be cooperative.
Gilbert Archer: You did?
Matthew Stoker: Of course, my dear boy. It came to me in a revelation.
Gilbert Archer: I don't know where you bought the revelation, Reverend, but you've been gypped.

---

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