Skip Seldon: [walks up to Joe who's looking around his lot] Skip Seldon's the name, friend. I'm here for one reason, and one reason only - to make you a happy and contented man. Now, what kind of car are you interested in?
Joe Mannix: Well, I'm looking for a 1972 Plymouth sedan, license number, uh, 949EJC. It's got a dent in the trunk about the size of a baseball.
Skip Seldon: [chuckles] What are you, a cop?
Joe Mannix: Private. The name is Mannix.
Skip Seldon: Yeah? Now what is it about a Plymouth sedan?
Joe Mannix: Well, it was involved in a minor traffic accident about 10:30 this morning. It's registered to your outfit.
Skip Seldon: So?
Joe Mannix: I'd like to take a look at it if it's back on the lot.
Skip Seldon: Sure, why not? You know, we carry full insurance.
[leads Joe to the car, and Joe examines the exterior and interior of it]
Joe Mannix: Nice, clean car.
Skip Seldon: Oh, yeah, that's one of the services that our customers appreciate.
Joe Mannix: Who had it out this morning?
Skip Seldon: Mr. Mannix, this is a busy lot. I'd have to look that up.
Joe Mannix: If it's not too much trouble.
[they walk to Seldon's office]
Skip Seldon: All right, let's have a look.
[looks through the papers]
Skip Seldon: Yeah, here we are - 949EJC. Wait a minute, there's gotta be a mistake, Mannix. This, uh, baby hasn't been off the lot in almost a week. Here, look for yourself.
[hands Joe the records]
Skip Seldon: Last customer brought that back six days ago.
Joe Mannix: Maybe you'd like to tell me how it could have banged into my client's car four hours ago?
Skip Seldon: Sip of beer?
Joe Mannix: Don't try telling me I got the license number wrong.
Skip Seldon: You know, I bet it was a freebie. You know what I mean? A guy walks on the lot. He sees the keys in the car, and he borrows it for a couple of hours. Then he brings it back and leaves it by the curb. You know, you'd be amazed at how many times that happens on a lot this size.
Joe Mannix: Except this one is sitting in the middle of the lot.
Skip Seldon: Well, that doesn't make any difference. These cars get jockeyed around the lot all day long. Well, sorry I couldn't be more help.
Joe Mannix: Oh, you did fine, Skip, just fine.