The Star-Sent Knaves

"The Star-Sent Knaves" by Keith Laumer is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around themes of time travel and art theft, as it follows the character Dan Slane, who becomes embroiled in a complex scheme involving criminals from the future and extraterrestrial beings. The narrative begins with Dan Slane, who, while working as a security consultant for a wealthy art collector, uncovers a bizarre plot involving a time machine operated by two thieves. After a series of mishaps and encounters that lead him into the futuristic realm of a creature named Blote, Dan finds himself in a position to influence the fate of priceless artworks. As he navigates through inter-dimensional travel and shifting alliances, he discovers that the true interest of the Ivroy—a powerful race concerned with preserving art for humanity's legacy—transcends mere theft and extends to a grander purpose involving the evolution of his species. Ultimately, Dan is given a choice that impacts the future of humanity and underscores the interplay between art, identity, and one's role in the universe.