Thief of Time - Earlier

'Ahem,' said Shoblang.

OH, YES. WHERE WERE WE?

'Look, if I'm, er, too early, then can't you-'

EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS STAYS HAPPENED.

'What kind of philosophy is that?'

THE ONLY ONE THAT WORKS. Death took out an hourglass and consulted it. I SEE THAT BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM YOU ARE NOT DUE TO REINCARNATE FOR SEVENTY-NINE YEARS. DO YOU HAVE ANYWHERE TO STAY?

'Stay? I'm dead. It's not like locking yourself out of your own house!' said Shoblang, who was beginning to fade.

PERHAPS YOU COULD BE BUMPED UP TO AN EARLIER BIRTH? Shoblang vanished. In the timeless moment Death turned back to stare at the hall of spinners…

***

The Thief of Time - p128