Philip Marlowe is spending the afternoon in a Turkish bath, being worked over by a masseuse named Nick, when the phone rings. He picks it up and says "Yeah? Marlowe speaking". The voice on the line says "My name is Sidney Vanetta, Mr. Marlowe. I've tried all afternoon to reach you". Marlowe says "What can I do for you, Mr. Vanetta?" He says "I've already made your reservation with American Airlines. You're leaving on the ten o'clock plane tonight, and you're taking with you a set of pearls for a certain buyer in Chicago". Philip says "Wait a minute, Mr. Vanetta. Maybe I can...." Vanetta says "No, maybe, Marlowe. I've checked thoroughly on you and find you entirely qualified, which is important because the pearls are perfectly matched, set in a rope valued at about 30 thousand dollars. The buyer wants them, and I made up my mind just this morning to sell. The proceeds will go to my niece". Marlowe says "Lucky girl". Vanetta says "Indeed she is. I'm selling the pearls simply because I know she would, and I can get more for them". Marlowe says "Why all the hurry, Mr. Vanetta?" He says "First, the buyer is leaving Chicago tomorrow. Second, my heart may fail me at any moment. Thus the hurry, Mr. Marlowe". Marlowe says "I see. Well, I'll take the job, uh, conditionally. But suppose I come out and talk with you". Vanetta says "Very well. Come to 7241 Adams, just below Western. I'll expect you at six o'clock, sharp. The side door will be open, so let yourself in". Later, Marlowe arrived at Vanetta's house. He found the side door unlocked and went in. He called Vanetta's name but got no answer. He looked into the library and saw Vanetta in a big chair in front of the fireplace. His chin sunk deep in his chest and his eyes were closed. Marlowe stepped close and shook him gently by the shoulder. All it took was a gentle shake. He sagged forward and poured out of the chair like stiff syrup. Mr. Vanetta was dead.