Stan Smith is the author of three books of Stanwick mini-mysteries that have been published in nine languages and sold over 120,000 copies.
Stan Smith is the author of three books of Stanwick mini-mysteries that have been published in nine languages and sold over 120,000 copies.
Mini-Mystery
Stanwick Finds the Magic Words
The small downtown section of Baskerville was unusually busy that Saturday morning. After browsing through several other stores, Thomas P. Stanwick wandered into the Baskerville Bookshop, a crowded, bright little store displaying books, greeting cards and, in a far corner, toys. He was looking for a birthday present for the younger son of his friend Inspector Matt Walker. Tim Walker was about to turn six.
Weaving his way through knots of other customers, Stanwick made his way to the toy corner. There he spotted a toy he knew Tim would love: a bright red fire truck. Scooping it up, Stanwick started for the checkout counter and then stopped with a sudden realization. He had accidentally left his wallet at home.
With a sigh of annoyance, Stanwick turned to put the truck back. As he did, he saw a sign near a collection of puzzle books: SAY THE MAGIC WORDS!
How sharp are your puzzle skills? Tell us the logical conclusion of the following statements and win the book or toy of your choice!
1. All friends of winged armadillos wear striped ties.
2. Only those who eat pickled harmonicas can enter a chocolate courtroom.
3. Members of the Diagonal Club drink martinis only at four.
4. All who eat pickled harmonicas are friends of winged armadillos.
S. Only those green elephants who are members of the Diagonal Club can wear striped ties.
6. All green elephants drink martinis at five.
Stanwick’s eyes sparkled. For a few moments, he stood stock still, staring at the sign and fingering the tip of his mustache. Then, with a gesture of triumph, he swung the truck back under his arm, strode to the checkout counter, and won the truck for Tim by saying the magic words.
What are the magic words?
The answer is below
Stanwick Finds the Magic Words Answer
All green elephants drink martinis at five (statement 6). But members of the Diagonal Club drink martinis only at four (3). Therefore no green elephants are members of the Diagonal Club. But only green elephants who are members of the Diagonal Club can wear striped ties (5). Thus no green elephants can wear striped ties.
All friends of winged armadillos, however, wear striped ties (1). Therefore no green elephants are friends of winged armadillos. But all who eat pickled harmonicas are friends of winged armadillos (4). Thus no green elephants eat pickled harmonicas. But only those who eat pickled harmonicas can enter a chocolate courtroom (2). Therefore (and these are the magic words) no green elephants can enter a chocolate courtroom.
By Stan Smith