"All right," Groating said, "that's additional data. Assuming the orchard and the small boys, what are the chances of stolen apples?"
"Pretty good."
"Add data. A locust plague is reported on the way."
"Not so good."
"More data. Agriculture reports a new efficient locust spray."
"Better."
"And still more data. In the past years the boys have stolen apples and been soundly punished. Now what are the chances?"
"Maybe a little less."
"Continue the experimental factors with an analysis of the boys. They are headstrong and will ignore punishment. Add also the weather forecasts for the summer; add the location of the orchard and attitude of owner. Now sum up: Orchard plus boys plus thefts plus punishment plus character plus locusts plus spray plus—"
I said: "Good heavens!"