The human is, after all, the only truly intellective animal, and the language he employs is, as Bickerton observes, like no other form of animal communication.

All the world's a ſtage, / And all the men and women, merely Players

It was Martin's job to help solve them and, patiently and uncensoriously, that is what he did.

Provost Maccalzean, with the silver keys in his hand, and the eldest bailie with the crimson-velvet cod, whereon they were to be delivered to her Majesty, following as fast as any member of a city corporation could be reasonably be expected to do.