The Antiquary Puzzle.
Some members enjoy knotty kinks. There are not a few in the following story. See how many you can unravel. No prizes are offered, and you are not to send answers to us. We will publish the answers in a week or two. The story was written by a member of our Order. Here it is:
In the early fall of the year (1) in which Captain Cook died I set sail in the White Lady of Berlin (2) from the Modern Athens (3) for a three years' trip abroad. The brother of the historian (4) whose name signifies the long-armed ape had handed me an object the night before, attached to which was a card reading as follows:
My name is short—it's in my head.
Behead me, and consider only
My threefold nature, and you'll find
That I'm in yours.
Yours truly.
I followed the directions, and found a roll of paper containing these lines:
I once in hour of wicked wrath
Slew one fourth of this great earth's race.
I fled o'er plain and mountain path,
But ne'er could that crime efface.
In any clime may I be seen,
Of rustic form or city made.
I oft conceal a weapon keen;
Am found in many a street parade.
To arctic regions cold and drear
I once did journey years ago.
My faith was strong, nor was there fear
Of floating berg or deadly floe (5).
I read the verses to a group of passengers, and one gentleman, a friend of the musician (6) who never could compose without his diamond ring, laughed so immoderately that he tripped over a spare mineral (7) that can box, and broke his leg. The physician (8) who first made use of chloroform was summoned, and in short order had the tonic plant (9) used in chills.
I reached Cairo in the month (10) of the gate, and spent five days in studying the Great Sphinx and its near-by temple. While exploring the latter I found a secret passage to the Sphinx itself, and there, in a square excavation, on a massive altar of the stone (11) that is dainty lay a huge black stone carved to represent the insect (12) worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. On it was this inscription, which, deciphered, reads thus:
"I am older than the Earth. I was born in Space. Once I was Fire. Now I am Stone. Yet no man ever quarried me. I have journeyed to the Sun, yet the Earth is now my tomb" (13).
After much difficulty I secured the stone for the museum (14) which contains the Elgin marbles, together with treasures from the Petrified City (15) and the City of Zenobia (16). I then sailed for England, reaching Cockagne (17) in March. One day, as I was passing the Old Lady (18) of Threadneedle Street, I saw a strange bronze-green sign-board which read, "ANTIQUES." Being interested in antiques I crossed the street and entered the shop.