Even more recently, The Times Literary Supplement, sifting through Hardy’s ashes, ran a story suggesting that his first wife may have suffered from quaternary neurosyphilis — contracted from him.

What did he soak him? Five quid? Yes, sir. And Gussie brassed up and was free?

AND ON JOE'S DROP KICK THEY DROP - !

At times, the sessions had the air of an encounter group, with the Colombians describing their fears and frustrations, and the American journalists listening sympathetically.