It was a week before Christmas and all through the house, a creature was stirring, and boy, what a rat.

This is another in the Adventures of America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator Johnny Dollar starring Charles Russell.

At insurance investigation, Johnny Dollar is only an expert.

At making out his expense account, he's an absolute genius. Expense accounts submitted by special investigator Johnny Dollar.

Two home office, industrial insurers, incorporated, Hartford, Connecticut.

Attention, Mr. Eben Stevens, general manager.

The following is an accounting of my expenditures

during investigation of small-time swindles of big-time department stores.

Or how I played Santa Claus and almost got left holding the sack.

Or going for a sleigh ride without benefit of snow can be tough sledding.

Expense account, item one.

One dollar, tip to messenger who delivered this assignment writing by hand to my apartment.

Thanks, Mr. Dollar.

You have never been known as a fast man with a buck, Mr. Stevens,

and I must say your note to me also marked you in my mind as an economist with words.

Dear Dollar, our client, the Association of Department Stores of Greater Manhattan,

has requested help on the following problem.

A young man has been making the rounds of New York department stores during the current Christmas rush.

Using his equipment, an official-looking sales book, he goes to a business department,

makes a quick sale on some large item,

writes it up in his furious sales book,

takes the customer's cash, and disappears.

...