On the credibility scale, “We owe you one,” is right up there with, “The check is in the mail.”

Heads, I win.

It was fortunate for Mr. and Mrs. Mann—the names were noms de voyage—that they left us so soon.

Hear Thou our plaint, when light is gone / And lawlessness and strife prevail. / Hear, lest the whelming weight of crime / Wreck us with life in view; / Lest thoughts and schemes of sense and time / Earn us a sinner's due.