- Editor: Something extremely unpleasant was about to happen, I was sure of that. Something sinister and cruel, but I had to see it now.
- [first lines]
- Editor: In the afternoon, the Rat Man came to the petrol station. He sidled up the driveway with a soft stealthy gate. His feet made no noise at all on the gravel. He had an Army knapsack slung over one shoulder. He wore an old-fashioned corduroy jacket with large pockets. His corduroy trousers were tied around the knees with lengths of white string.
- Rat Man: Hello?
- Claud: Yes?
- Rat Man: Rodent operative.
- Editor: His small dark eyes moved swiftly over the premises.