"Spikely did not, so Jim seized a crayon and drew a globe. To the west, America, he said, full of greedy fools fouling up their inheritance. To the east, China-Russia; he drew no distinction: boiler suits prison camps, and a damn long march to nowhere. In the middle..." (Chapter 1, pgs. 12-13)

"'Sheer lack of will-power,' he told himself as he courteously declined the suggestions of a lady in a doorway. 'One calls it politeness, whereas in fact it is nothing but weakness. You featherhead, Martindale. You pompous, bogus, effeminate, non-productive -' He stepped widely to avoid an unseen obstacle. 'Weakness,' he resumed, 'and an inability to live a self-sufficient life independent of institutions' - a puddle emptied itself neatly into his shoe - 'and emotional attachments that have long outlived their purpose. Viz., my wife; viz., the Circus; viz., living in London. Taxi!" (Chapter 3, pg. 25)

"Once...