I was having tea about an hour ago with an English lady. You saw her, didn't you?

Well, I don't know, I mean, I was talking to my friend, wasn't I?

Indubitably.

Yes, but you were sitting at the next table. She turned and borrowed the sugar. You must remember.

Yes, I recall passing the sugar.

Well then you saw her.

I repeat we were deep in conversation. We were discussing cricket.

Well, I don't see how a thing like cricket can make you forget seeing people.

Oh, don't you? If that's your attitude, there's nothing more to be said! Come Caldicott. "A thing like cricket!"

Wrong tactics. We should've told him we were looking for a lost cricket ball.