Brandt tells him that there's been a tragedy and that he must speak with the Big Lebowski immediately.
The Big Lebowski is distraught, huddled in front of his massive fireplace in his massive study.
The Dude burns one, and the Big Lebowski reveals that his wife has been kidnapped. He shows The Dude the ransom note, which demands $1 million. The Dude declares the whole thing a bummer.
Brandt tells The Dude that they need his help. He needs to courier the money to the kidnappers.
When The Dude asks why he's been selected for this task, Brandt informs him that the kidnappers may be the very people "who … ah … soiled your rug."
The Dude agrees to try and catch the carpet pissers.