Had it not been for the presence of Ashmead Bartlett I would have fled.

To die, even though clasping a cake of American soap, seemed less attractive than to live unwashed.

But the chemist had no time to consider shells.

He was intent only on getting rid of surplus stock.
The majority of people who are afraid are those who refuse to consider the doctrine of chances.

The chances of their being hit may be one in ten thousand, but they disregard the odds in their favor and fix their minds on that one chance against them.