Constable Sharpless is on patrol one night when he encounters a man carrying a large rectangular package. The man is singing, and Sharpless warns him to behave himself. Before the man walks off, he shows the painting he is carrying to Sharpless, and claims it is a Reubens. Sharpless hears a commotion as Sergeant Amies heads for him. There has been a robbery. Amies tells Sharpless that someone stole a painting. Sharpless worries for a moment, but is relieved when Amies describes the stolen painting as something different.