However, the three per cent oxygen content seemed to preclude the possibility of any animal life, other than the simplest and most sluggish species.

American corporate earnings are expected to show the most sluggish growth in four years when major companies report first-quarter results next month.

Even under more normal conditions, this time of year has typically been one of the most sluggish travel periods.

But the survey concluded that the economic outlook "remains the most sluggish since the recession year of 1982."

It was a scene that would have made the most sluggish and insensitive person postpone his rest.

Britain reported last week that its economy had grown at the most sluggish pace in 10 years during the last three months of 2002.

The 1989 holiday gain was the most sluggish since a 2.9 percent rise in 1985.

Somerfield's stock, the most sluggish in the European food retailing business, fell 10 percent and hit a record low.

Even with that increase, it added, the country would be going through some of the most sluggish population growth in its history.

Chapter 68 The warning horn sounded deep in the night, when even those who were stuck with guard duty were at their most sluggish.