Premise:
"It's probably therapeutic for Slate's two warriors to be taking time out from their inquiries into the House Budget or Travelgate to organize their thoughts on their place in the universe."
Hypothesis: The House Budget and Travelgate have been headline issues day in and day out for many months.

it is not possible to tell

Premise:
"I phoned Scotland Yard and the Admiralty first thing."
Hypothesis: The first thing I did was phone Scotland Yard and the Admiralty.

yes

Premise:
"Wouldn't that move condoms!"
Hypothesis: Wouldn't that sell more condoms that way?
it is not possible to tell