“People weighed down with troubles do not look back; they know only too well that misfortune stalks them.”

“People overwhelmed with trouble do not look behind; they know only too well that misfortune follows them.”

“People who are overwhelmed with troubles never do look back. They know only too well that misfortune follows in their footsteps.”

“People who are crushed do not look behind them. They know but too well the evil fate which follows them.”

“Even the plainest of events is tied down by a thick tangle of permutation and possibility, but the human mind struggles with such complexity. In times of trouble, when the belief in simple gods breaks down, a cult of conspiracy arises. So it was back then. Unable to attribute misfortune to chance, unable to accept their ultimate insignificance within the greater scheme, the people looked for monsters in their midst.”

“I feel a bit apprehensive as I see that he's looking directly at me. But I'm not doing anything wrong, am I? I mean, it's not like stalking is against the law.Oh. Well, OK, maybe stalking is against the law. But I've only been doing it for five minutes. Surely that doesn't count. And anyway, how does he know I'm stalking anyone? I might just be sitting here for my pleasure.”