Possible Clues:

• We infer a reduction in numbers
• Decreasing numbers of
• Less in number
• Easier to count
• Reduced numbers of felons at first sent to jug
• Word on the sign for an express checkout lane
• "The __ the facts, the stronger the opinion": Arnold H. Glasow
• Five, to ten
• 'The ___ the words, the better the prayer': Martin Luther
• Like three, to four