`We are the ones who will hear', said Phoucgh, `the answer
        to the great question of Life...!'
         `The Universe...!' said Loonqawl.
         `And Everything...!'
         `Shhh', said Loonquawl with a slight gesture, `I think
        Deep Thought is preparing to speak!'
         There was a moment's expectant pause whilst panels
        slowly came to life on the front of the console. Lights
        flashed on and off experimentally and settled down into a
        businesslike pattern. A soft low hum came from the
        communication channel.
         `Good morning', said Deep Thought at last.
         `Er...Good  morning, O Deep Thought', said Loonquawl
        nervously, `do you have...er, that is...'
         `An answer for you?' interrupted Deep Thought majestically.
         `Yes, I have.'
         The two men shivered with expectancy. Their waiting had
        not been in vain.
         `There really is one?' breathed Phouchg.
         `There really is one', confirmed Deep Thought.
         `To Everything? To the great Question of Life, the
        Universe and Everything?'
         `Yes'.
         Both of the men had been trained for this moment, their
        lives had been a preparation for it, they had been selected
        at birth as those who would witness the answer, but even so
        they found themselves gasping and squirming, like excited
        children.
        `And you are ready to give it to us?', urged Loonquawl.
         `I am.'
         `Now?'
         `Now', said Deep Thought.
         They both licked their dry lips.
         `Though I don't think', added Deep Thought, `that you're
        going to like it.'
         `Doesn't matter!' said Phoucgh. `We must know it! Now!'
         `Now?', inquired Deep thought.
         `Yes! Now...'
         `Alright', said the computer and settled into silence again.
        The two men fidgeted. The tension was unbearable.
         `You're really not going to like this', observed Deep Thought.
         `Tell us!'
         `Alright', said Deep Thought. `The Answer to the Great
        Question...'
         `Yes...!'
         `Of Life, the Universe and Everything...', said Deep Thought.
         `Yes...!'
         `Is...'
         `Yes...!!!...?'
         `Forty-two', said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and
        calm.

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