Flattery, in Tuppence's opinion, should always be laid on with a trowel where a man is concerned. - Agatha Christie

In the midst of tragedy we start the comedy.

And then, startling in its crisp transatlantic tones, a voice said: “Stick ’em up.” They swerved around. Schwartz, dressed in a peculiarly vivid set of striped pyjamas stood in the doorway. In his hand he held an automatic. “Stick ’em up, guys. I’m pretty good at shooting.” He pressed the trigger — and a bullet sang past the big man's ear and buried itself in the woodwork of the window. Three pairs of hands were raised rapidly.

I did not deceive you, mon ami. At most, I permitted you to deceive yourself.