Once you've ruled out the impossible then whatever is left, however improbable, must be the truth. The problem lay in working out what was impossible, of course. That was the trick, all right. There was also the curious incident of the orangutan in the night-time.

Do not meddle in the affairs of wizards because a refusal often offends, I read somewhere.

Albert grunted. "Do you know what happens to lads who ask too many questions?" Mort thought for a moment. "No," he said eventually, "what?" There was silence. Then Albert straightened up and said, "Damned if I know. Probably they get answers, and serve 'em right.

And never resist a perfect moment.

They say that there can never be two snowflakes that are exactly alike, but has anyone checked lately?

You haven't really been anywhere until you've got back home.

They obeyed, as wise men do when a woman puts her foot down . . .