To all those who lead monotonous lives in the hope that they may experience at second hand the delights and dangers of adventure. [author's dedication]

All I needed was a steady table and a typewriter...a marble-topped bedroom washstand table made a good place; the dining-room table between meals was also suitable.

If you confront anyone who has lied with the truth, he will usually admit it - often out of sheer surprise. It is only necessary to guess right to produce your effect.

... nothing is so boring as devotion.

One little Indian boy left all alone; He went and hanged himself and then there were none.

You regard it as impossible that a sinner should be struck down by the wrath of God! I do not!

Everyone is a potential murderer-in everyone there arises from time to time thewish to kill-though not the will to kill.