Brain Teasers

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Originally Posted by Pendragon

OK. I'll accept, since you probably didn't know that the Shadow's world is 30's-40's New York. Now solve the why. ;)

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This one's actually kind of easy, I've noticed a few things:

-Servants got a monthly Stipend
-The cats weren't scared when the ghost passed by, I would assume they should
-The cook had a Tabby on her lap
-The ghost flying across the balcony was a woman, perhaps the Cook herself?
-or perhaps a picture of the cook herself? you know if you put some transparent colored paper over the flashlight, the light would change to that color. So if you were to put a picture, transparent enough, you would see a ghost-like picture.

The why's the easy. They were trying to scare Abraham away so they could keep their monthly stipends. The how on the other hand isn't. Like I said, I'm guessing they put something over the flashlights to make the ghost appear.

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Originally Posted by DigitalCrash

This one's actually kind of easy, I've noticed a few things:

-Servants got a monthly Stipend
-The cats weren't scared when the ghost passed by, I would assume they should
-The cook had a Tabby on her lap
-The ghost flying across the balcony was a woman, perhaps the Cook herself?
-or perhaps a picture of the cook herself? you know if you put some transparent colored paper over the flashlight, the light would change to that color. So if you were to put a picture, transparent enough, you would see a ghost-like picture.

The why's the easy. They were trying to scare Abraham away so they could keep their monthly stipends. The how on the other hand isn't. Like I said, I'm guessing they put something over the flashlights to make the ghost appear.

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Stick a fork in it, she's done! But I really have two winners. Chava was right, she just was unaware of the timeline involved. D-Man, more aware of the timeline, came even closer to what I had in mind and solved the why.

The check of the fllashlights will show one to be a "magic lantern projector", popular in those days. They held a glass slide with an image on it, which ould be projected on a wall. Since others had flashlights, no one would susspect when the Butler used his to make the image move along the landing, and turning it off would makie it vanish. The ghost was fake, otherwise, as any psychic reasearcher could tell you, the cats would NOT remain calm. Ergo, the servants were stealing the money and didn't want any heir messing up their playhouse! Good show Chava and D-Man! Nanners please.

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Too simple? Hummmm.........

Let's try this one, although it may be too easy as well, I can never tell....

The Search for Silk Donovan by Jonathan Blade

Cliff Marsland strode into the Black Ship and paused a moment to look around. Several men gulped their drinks and left hastily. Cliff spotted “Snoop” Jackson at a corner table and walked over and sat down across from the pasty-faced man. A couple nearby drinkers moved to tables further away. Cliff smiled to himself at these indications that his reputation in the underworld was still solid.

“Hello, Snoop.”

“Whatcha after me for, Cliff? Ain’t I always been fair wit you?”

“Sure, Snoop, sure.” Marsland leaned forward so that only Snoop heard his next words. “But what if I were to mention to these gents that you’re a stoolie for Cardona?”

The pasty-faced man blanched. “Say, Cliff, you ain’t putting dem wise are ya? Dey’d kill me sure.” He ran a nervous hand, the sure sign of a coke addict across his face.

“Not if you tell me what I want to know. I got a crib to crack, Snoop. Where’s Silk Donovan?”

“Oh, Lord, Cliff, I dunno. Honest. Silk vanished after we pulled dat bank job over in Holmwood. Funny about ol’ Blue-eyes Silk. You’d never guess, but he were an actor onct. Used to do Shakespeare over at the 34th Street Theater. Ol’ Doc Johnson, who ran da joint, allus said dat wit Silk on de payroll, he could give de plays jus’ de way Shakespeare would have.”

Cliff snarled into the terrified man’s face. “Enough history lesson, Snoop. Now you tell me how to contact Silk or I—“ He waved a hand at the room.

Snoop poured a drink and gulped it greedily. “Okay. Okay. I were told to tell anyone lookin’ fer Silk tuh see Zelda, de Gypsy fortune-teller over on 88th Street. She’s a weird ol’ moll, but she’s square.”

“Thanks, Snoop.” Marsland slipped a twenty-dollar bill to the frightened man. “I was never here.”

“Sure, Cliff!” Snoop blurred, relieved to get rid of this man who knew so much about him.

Marsland took Shrevvy’s cab to 88th Street. The fortune-teller’s shop was easy to find, with a blaring electric sign in the window: Madame Zelda: Sees All, Knows All. Cliff went inside.

The old Gypsy woman had startling violet eyes that gleamed glassily under the flickering candles and among the incense smoke.

“Tell your fortune, sir?” She asked in a lilting accent. “Cross this old one’s palm with silver and I will tell you everything.”

Cliff dug up a silver dollar and placed it in the Gypsy’s outstretched palm. He judged her to be somewhere in her seventies from her wrinkled, gap-toothed appearance.

“Ah, the gentleman is most kind.” Zelda sat a crystal ball on a purple curtained table. “What does old Zelda see here? Ah! You are the man known as Clifford Marsland. You seek the assistance of one Silk Donovan for an activity that is, shall we say, not legal. I have bad news for you Mr. Marsland. Silk Donavan is gone. He has vanished from the world of men. Perhaps you should consult a spirit medium, eh? Heh! Heh! Heh!” The old crone cackled with delight.

Cliff left the Gypsy’s place and entered a tobacco shop to use the pay phone. He dialed a number from memory.

A whispered voice ordered: “Report!”

In short, concise sentences, Cliff told of his adventures in trying to locate Silk Donovan.

There was silence for a moment. Then the words: “Off duty.”

Later, a shadowy shape rose from the darkness of a lonely bedroom to confront the occupant. “Your game is over, Donovan. Did you think you’d get away with it? Did you think The Shadow wouldn’t know?”

WHO WAS THIS PERSON THAT THE SHADOW IDENTIFED AS DONOVAN, ASSUMING EVERYONE HAS TOLD THE TRUTH?

could it be Cliff himself... maybe he vanished and now came back to see if people know aomething about him... Snoop did say that he was an actor so he might have disguised as another person....well that was the first thought that came to me...hope I'm not talking rubbish... lol

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Originally Posted by Kaltrina

could it be Cliff himself... maybe he vanished and now came back to see if people know aomething about him... Snoop did say that he was an actor so he might have disguised as another person....well that was the first thought that came to me...hope I'm not talking rubbish... lol

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No, not Cliff--he works FOR the Shadow, so the Shadow is well aware of who he is, but to give you kudus, since you've never read the Shadow Magazine (at least I doubt it) Cliff is not who he seems to be, that isn't even his real name. He was an espionage agent in the Great War, where he first met the Shadow. Cliff went to Sing-Sing prision for a crime his wife's brother committed and was framed for murder. He plays the part of a gangster to infiltrate the Badlands for the Shadow and get valuable information. He enjoys the reputation of a cold-blooded killer when he is actually married to a millionare's daughter, and respectable. So great spot that Cliff may not be who he seems to be.

ol doc johnson as he is the only person to know something about silk that is not given by the person we have seen alive - if everyone is 'square' with us, then this character(bar the Cardona who is not referred to) has to be the one...
maybe..?!

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Originally Posted by Crescent

ol doc johnson as he is the only person to know something about silk that is not given by the person we have seen alive - if everyone is 'square' with us, then this character(bar the Cardona who is not referred to) has to be the one...
maybe..?!

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No. You are all missing a very obvious clue, (actually two), that should tell you the answer. ;) :brow:

this is the first time im reading this thread...n the first time im attempting..
I think its Zelda, de Gypsy fortune-teller ...
Silk was a gud actor especially gud with shakespeare...in shakespeare men used to do the part of women...n later zelda says that he's vanished from the world of men(everybody's said the truth)...so now he's disguised n acting as a woman...is that the answer??

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Originally Posted by smilingtearz

this is the first time im reading this thread...n the first time im attempting..
I think its Zelda, de Gypsy fortune-teller ...
Silk was a gud actor especially gud with shakespeare...in shakespeare men used to do the part of women...n later zelda says that he's vanished from the world of men(everybody's said the truth)...so now he's disguised n acting as a woman...is that the answer??

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Yeah,Silk eyes were blue, the gypsy's were violet close enough especially in candlelight.

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Originally Posted by smilingtearz

this is the first time im reading this thread...n the first time im attempting..
I think its Zelda, de Gypsy fortune-teller ...
Silk was a gud actor especially gud with shakespeare...in shakespeare men used to do the part of women...n later zelda says that he's vanished from the world of men(everybody's said the truth)...so now he's disguised n acting as a woman...is that the answer??

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AHA! We have a WINNER! And one who caught BOTH CLUES! Most just catch the one "vanished from the world of men." Smiling Tears I pronouce you a Problem Solver-Deluxe!
Cheerleaders:http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gif



And Papayahed, you might not know it, but colored contacts have been around since the late 1800's for use in costume. Check me out on it! They appear in all the old pulps from the 30's and 40's and in one of Sherlock Holmes original mysteries. The Shadow, of course, is from Steet and Smith's magazine of the same name, first published in 1932 and running until 1949. He also appeared on the Radio.

A new puzzle, in a more readable font size and color.

THE RUG OF RICHES
by Jonathan Blade

Four persons gathered in the gloomy library of the Galloway mansion to hear Oswald Bellangere, Attorney-at-Law read from old Angus Galloway's will. Norwel Lawson, the dead man's secretary sat beside Kyne Galloway, the dead man's nephew. The two men glared at each other.

"Kerrie and I," Kyne jerked a thumb over his shoulder to indicate a small, blonde woman seated behind him, "were the only family old Angus had. We should be sole heirs. Or at any rate, we should decide what you and Doctor Shipley should receive, if anything. You’ve no right to be here."
Attorney Bellangere chided young Galloway. "Now, Kyne, we've been through this before. Your Uncle Angus' will is solid, verified by unimpeachable witnesses. Both Norwel Lawson, as Angus Galloway's secretary, and Doctor Riddock Shipley, as the deceased's family physician, are to be included in the reading of the will."

No one noticed an extra shadow just behind the old solicitor as he held the will to the light and began to read.

"I, Angus Galloway, being sound of mind, though weak in body, do hereby set forth the following rules concerning the distribution of my wealth.

My secretary, Norwel Lawson is to receive the sum of $2000.

My personal friend and physician, Riddock Shipley, likewise $2000.

An amount equal to the value of one-quarter of my entire estate shall go to both my nephew Kyne Galloway, and to my niece, Kerrie Galloway.

"This will leave a balance equal to almost half my entire wealth. And that shall go to whichever one of them can find it! The map is under the rug. Good hunting!"

Bellangere continued. "It is signed: Angus Galloway and witnessed by Lamont Cranston and Ralph Weston." The lawyer began to gather his things.

The room erupted in pandemonium. Kyne, Kerrie, and Norwel Lawson were frantically pulling up every rug in sight. The Doctor remained calm, and reached for his hat and coat.

"Are you leaving, Doctor Shipley?" Bellangere asked, stunned. "Need I remind you of how much money is involved here?"

"I have a patient to see." Doctor Shipley replied.

A weird laugh froze them all in their place. A shadowy form took center stage.

"A patient of yours for many years no doubt, Doctor. A patient presently residing in the City Morgue. Angus Galloway. A Doctor learns many secrets about his patients, doesn't he, "Croaker" Shipley? Including the fact that he was bald and where he hid his map!"



The man The Shadow had called "Croaker" foolishly reached for a gun, there were two shots. One shot skimmed the Shadow’s slouch hat. The other found the “Doctor’s” heart. There was a laugh.

The Shadow fixed the remaining heirs with blazing eyes. "From what I told you, you should find your map. Go get it and share the money. Greed kills."

SO WHERE IS THE MAP?

nice smilingtearz, good thinking, and in fact it was so obvious but I just couldn't see it stupid me... :D hey Pen when is the next one I enjoy reading these stories and solutions even if I am the one who finds the solutions... :D
looking forward to the next one...

ok I guess I just rushed to write my post while the storie was being posted... :blush:

:banana: YAY! i got a new title (Problem Solver-Deluxe)...thx pen (i thought we got 'kudus' for doing things in here!)...n thx kaltrina
tho that was fine coz it involved literature...i can't think of ne replies to this one...is the title being snatched away??
here's wut i figured out...the map is under the rug--two secrets are mentioned ...one his map--two -he's bald'...now if that's a secret he probably wears a wig...so the wig is the rug... therefore
i) either his head is the where the map is...and the doctor knew there was no chance to get it so he was leaving.
ii) or it was somewhere below where his wig was??

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Originally Posted by smilingtearz

:banana: YAY! i got a new title (Problem Solver-Deluxe)...thx pen (i thought we got 'kudus' for doing things in here!)...n thx kaltrina
tho that was fine coz it involved literature...i can't think of ne replies to this one...is the title being snatched away??
here's wut i figured out...the map is under the rug--two secrets are mentioned ...one his map--two -he's bald'...now if that's a secret he probably wears a wig...so the wig is the rug... therefore
i) either his head is the where the map is...and the doctor knew there was no chance to get it so he was leaving.
ii) or it was somewhere below where his wig was??

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And it looks like you keep the title! Another one solved! Cheerleaders, ho! http://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gifhttp://www.clicksmilies.com/s0105/sp...smiley-001.gif But I must be fair and say that Sher. figued it out, also, only she PMed me, and wouldn't post. I get another up right away.