Post by Roger on Nov 2, 2009 22:16:39 GMT 8
I like solving mysteries. And I have quite a few books about them.
If you like solving mysteries too, then read on.
"I don't mind telling you, Dr. Haledjian," said Thomas Hunt, "that inheriting the Hunt millions has had its nerve-racking moments. Do you remember Martin, the gardener?"
"A smiling and bowing little chap," said Haledjian, pouring his young friend a brandy.
"That's the fellow. I dismissed him upon inheriting the house in East Hampton. Well, three days ago, he came to my office, bowing and smirking, and demanded one hundred thousand dollars.
"He claimed to have been tending the spruce trees outside my father's study when Dad drew up another will, naming his brother in New Zealand sole heir."
"You believed him?"
"I confess the news hit me like a thunderbolt. Dad and I had quarreled over Veronica sometime during the last week in November. Dad opposed the marriage, and it seemed plausible that he had cut me off.
"Martin asserted he possessed this second will, which he felt sure would be worth a good deal more to me than he was asking. As it was dated November 31 - the day after the executed will - it would be legally recognized, he claimed.
"I refused to be blackmailed. He tried to bargain, asking fifty thousand and then twenty-five thousand."
"You paid nothing, I hope,?" asked Haledjian.
"I paid - with my foot firm on the seat of his pants."
"Quite right," approved Haledjian. "Imagine trying to peddle a tale like that!"
What was Martin's blunder?
((Taken from Donald J. Sobol's Two-Minute Mysteries.))
Istarted with an easy one. I guess I like to practice typing... xD
If you like solving mysteries too, then read on.
The Case of the Blackmailer
"I don't mind telling you, Dr. Haledjian," said Thomas Hunt, "that inheriting the Hunt millions has had its nerve-racking moments. Do you remember Martin, the gardener?"
"A smiling and bowing little chap," said Haledjian, pouring his young friend a brandy.
"That's the fellow. I dismissed him upon inheriting the house in East Hampton. Well, three days ago, he came to my office, bowing and smirking, and demanded one hundred thousand dollars.
"He claimed to have been tending the spruce trees outside my father's study when Dad drew up another will, naming his brother in New Zealand sole heir."
"You believed him?"
"I confess the news hit me like a thunderbolt. Dad and I had quarreled over Veronica sometime during the last week in November. Dad opposed the marriage, and it seemed plausible that he had cut me off.
"Martin asserted he possessed this second will, which he felt sure would be worth a good deal more to me than he was asking. As it was dated November 31 - the day after the executed will - it would be legally recognized, he claimed.
"I refused to be blackmailed. He tried to bargain, asking fifty thousand and then twenty-five thousand."
"You paid nothing, I hope,?" asked Haledjian.
"I paid - with my foot firm on the seat of his pants."
"Quite right," approved Haledjian. "Imagine trying to peddle a tale like that!"
What was Martin's blunder?
((Taken from Donald J. Sobol's Two-Minute Mysteries.))
Istarted with an easy one. I guess I like to practice typing... xD