This was
a short story published in January 1957, in the Argosy
short story magazine. In reality this was more of a
paperback book, about the size of a conventional novel. The
story appeared as the first in the book, along with such
other notable writers as H.E Bates, Paul Gallico and Victor
Canning.
It's set in New Orleans, most of it in a music shop where
the proprietor eeks out a living refurbishing jazz
instruments for local players. Occasionally he gets to
clean up the instruments belonging to big stars, like Louis
Armstrong.
One day a stranger appears in his shop and shows a
fascination for a trumpet that belonged to the owner's
father. From here the story builds up the mystery of who
the character, called 'Jake', really is and why he is so
persistent.
This is not a story in the expected Bagley mould, but
perhaps that is because this is an early attempt. In fact
it is almost a fantasy / science-fiction story - certainly
the end will take the reader by surprise.