Actually, it’s the “case of the kidnapped heiress,” but A) this goes against the standard Spade nomenclature, and B) it’s more fun to say Wealthy Banker Higginbotham.

Wildroot makes a Hitchcock-like appearance, as Sam attempts to stop the kidnapping by forciong a possibly fatal accident. Good thing, too – the guy used a ladder to kidnap the lady, and in Lindbergh-baby terms that never ends well.

Turns out it wasn’t a kidnapping, except for part about binding and gagging the girl and removing her from her home without her permission. He just wanted to have societally-sanctioned sex with her, but she wouldn’t marry him because of his lousy grooming. Happily for all, Sam always carries some Wildroot around – it’s ribbed for your satisfaction, apparently - and there’s also a giant box behind the hedge, in case King Kong happens by with unacceptably dry fur.

Remember, kids: cream-oil or no cream-oil, don’t play hard to get.