When Ashe Marson checks his newspaper the day after his talk with Joan Valentine he sees an ad for a young man to uindertake a well-paid but dangerous mission and decides to go to the indicated address. Finding himself in a waiting room full of adventure seekers he is finally let in to see mr. Peters, After an initially somewhat terse introduction mr. Peters explains that he needs someone to pose as his valet during his stay at Blandings Castle and there surreptitiously steal back the scarab stolen from him. If getting caught in the act mr. Preston would deny any commitment, but success will be rewarded with five thousand dollars. Ashe decides to take up the challenge. and will meet mr. Peters at the station when he leaves for Blandings Castle.