Matthew Stoker: Oh, Mr. Archer! I don't wish to have a bullet hole in my pocket unless it's absolutely necessary.

Matthew Stoker: Mr. Archer, I must ask you to forgive this early call, but it's most urgent that we speak with you at once.
Gilbert Archer: What do you want?
Matthew Stoker: I'm sorry, but we must talk to you. It's about some rare Bibles.
Gilbert Archer: Come in. How'd you get past the clerk at the desk?
Matthew Stoker: We didn't, Mr. Archer. The freight elevator was dirty but convenient.
Gilbert Archer: [Looking warily at the man's ministerial collar] You're not a clergyman.
Matthew Stoker: We are missionaries, Mr. Archer.
Gilbert Archer: Did somebody recommend me as a prospect?

Matthew Stoker: Now, Mr. Archer, suppose we entertain each other while my wife makes a brief search of the premises.
Gilbert Archer: Certainly. You play gin?
[Archer stands up to reach for a cigarette lighter. Stoker pushes the gun barrel into his chest. Archer motions toward a table]
Gilbert Archer: Lighter!
[Stoker tries to light it with no success]
Gilbert Archer: May I?
[He uses the lighter to knock the gun out of Stoker's hand]
Gilbert Archer: You need a refresher course, Reverend, at whatever seminary it was that you went to. Out!
Matthew Stoker: Very neat, Mr. Archer. Very neat, indeed. I've allowed myself to grow rather rusty. I'm afraid it comes from putting too much faith in my assistants.
[Stoker's assistant Rausch appears suddenly and knocks Archer unconscious]
Matthew Stoker: Such an impetuous young man.
[Speaking to his wife]
Matthew Stoker: Proceed, my dear.
[Speaking to Rausch]
Matthew Stoker: If Mr. Archer shows any signs of activity, Rausch, make him comfortable.

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?

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.