The face which emerged was not reassuring. It was blunt and grey, the nose springing thick and flat from high on the frontal bone of the forehead, whilst his eyes were narrow slits of dark in a tight bandage of tissue. […].

Where all did he go? What exactly was his job? Gary shrugged and produced a weak laugh. I reckon the Middle East. Ain't that where all the oil is?

They sought to explode the myth.

“He said you got a little spiffed together.” “Love that George,” she said. “I'm getting a little spiffed again.