"My doctor says that I have a malformed public-duty gland and a natural deficiency in moral fibre," he muttered to himself, "and that I am therefore excused from saving Universes."

More from Adams Douglas/Life the Universe and Everything

• A glummer look replaced the already glum look on Arthur Dent's face. "So we're not home and dry," he said.
• "Arthur," said Ford.
• Arthur shook his head and sat down. He looked up. "I thought you must be dead ..." he said simply.
• A tall figure appeared silhouetted in the hatchway. It walked down the ramp and stood in front of Arthur.
• Ford looked angrily at him.
• "I'd love to stay and help you save the Galaxy," insisted Zaphod, rising himself up on to his shoulders, "but I have the mother and father of a pair of headaches, and I feel a lot of little headaches coming on."