A dame who is also a hot blooded Apache is sure to give Philip Marlowe a run for his money. A Dutch accented client named VanNordt turns out to lead to a bigger than life Indian who has a thump on the head waiting for Marlowe. VanNordt is a seller of curios, and artifacts from archaeologists. A bowl with Native American hyroglyphics has been stolen. Posing as a ceramics dealer, Marlowe talks business with Mona Waters. Will the city born, college educated Apache see through his deception?

Who is Jimmy Brown Bear, and what does he have to do with the various archaelogical operations in the area? Roles seem reversed as the hard boild detective puts his skills to work to go on the trail to track down an indian on the streets of Los Angeles.

Bodies pave the trail as Marlowe chases after the mysterious pottery bowl. Suddenly clues fly and fall into Philip's hands, but has he been running in the wrong direction? Guns come out, and Marlowe has to talk fast to save his life, and expose the secret of the bowl.