Lee Bowman

Matthew Stoker: Mr. Archer, dishonesty is a sin. May I remind you that I paid you a retainer to get that Bible for me? I'm prepared to pay the balance.
Gilbert Archer: No dice, Reverend. I also accepted a retainer from one Ernst Helms. I've decided to do business with him instead.
Matthew Stoker: Helms?
Gilbert Archer: You'll get your money back.
Matthew Stoker: But Mr. Archer, Helms and I are in partnership.
Gilbert Archer: What?
Matthew Stoker: It was he who secured my Bible for me.
Gilbert Archer: No kidding? You've got the other Bible?
Matthew Stoker: You don't believe me. Perhaps you wouldn't be so skeptical if Helms confirmed it in person.
Gilbert Archer: Frankly, Reverend, I'd be very surprised. If Helms agrees, I'd be glad to turn this Bible over to you.
Matthew Stoker: May I?
[He dials the phone]
Matthew Stoker: Hello, my dear. Has Mr. Helms arrived yet? Excellent. I'm speaking from Mr. Archer's apartment. Mr. Archer would like a consultation with him. Will you ask him to wait for us? Thank you, my dear.
[He turns to Archer]
Matthew Stoker: Would you like to speak to him?
Gilbert Archer: No.
Matthew Stoker: That's all, my dear. Thank you. Now, Mr. Archer, would you be good enough to accompany me and bring the Bible?
Gilbert Archer: OK, Reverend.
[He suddenly frisks Stoker]
Gilbert Archer: I just want to make sure.
Matthew Stoker: Not this visit.
Gilbert Archer: After you.

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Gilbert Archer: Is this where you hold your Wednesday night prayer meetings?
Matthew Stoker: Oh no, Mr. Archer. On Wednesday nights, I preach at the mission.
Gilbert Archer: That I'd like to see. Good evening, Mrs. Stoker.
Mrs. Stoker: It's so nice of you to call, Mr. Archer.
Gilbert Archer: Well, Mr. Bradford. Now isn't this comfy?
Rev. George Bradford: You don't seem very surprised to find me here, Archer.
Gilbert Archer: Surprised? Mr. Bradford, I already had you pegged as a member of the unholy family.
Rev. George Bradford: Really? Since when?
Gilbert Archer: Since earlier this evening when we met at the hotel.
Matthew Stoker: Mr. Archer is a little late in putting two and two together, but he's a man of keen perception. And now, Mr. Archer, the Bible if you please.
Gilbert Archer: According to our deal, Mr. Helms was to confirm this transaction in person.
Rev. George Bradford: I assure you we're all most anxiously waiting for Mr. Helms. Rausch went to fetch him, and he should be here presently.
Gilbert Archer: Rausch?
[He notes that Stoker is carrying a gun]
Gilbert Archer: I wouldn't dream of quibbling.

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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?

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