“How are you on the high wire?” “Wire walking? It’s simple. Any child of ten can do it—with about fourteen years practice. - Michael Kurland

A possibility eliminated is a risk not taken.

So, his Slavonic Majesty hires thieves to spy for him. Spying is such a foul business that I am surprised that even a good Angevin thief would stoop to it." He turned to Lord Peter with a sudden realization. "I'm sorry," he said. "I didn't mean to imply—"
"That's all right, Your Highness," Lord Peter said. "It's a common reaction. Their spies are dirty, filthy scum, not fit to wipe your boots on, while our spies are noble gentlemen doing dangerous work for the love of King and Country. Would that it were so, Your Highness, but I'm afraid that sometimes the desired image is at fault—in both directions.

“A curious mixture, you,” I said, pulling her firmly toward me over the bowl of cement and commencing a lengthy kiss of agreement, exploration, adoration and lust.