Several of my soothmoother informants pointed out that the Shetlands were not the only islands to have been visited by the Vikings.

“Well, I’ll be a son-of-a-bitch!” Monty laughed. “You mean you called a pat hand on aces up?”

She stared at Master Mannix with no expression. Somehow, her blanked face did not even flinch.

I am an old fellow, and extremely troubled with the gout; but having always a strong vanity towards being pleasing in the eyes of women, I never have a moment's ease, but I am mounted in high-heeled shoes, with a glazed wax-leather instep.