16.--_The Sompnour's Puzzle._

The number that the Sompnour confided to the Wife of Bath was

twenty-nine, and she was told to begin her count at the Doctor of Physic,

who will be seen in the illustration standing the second on her right.

The first count of twenty-nine falls on the Shipman, who steps out of the

ring. The second count falls on the Doctor, who next steps out. The

remaining three counts fall respectively on the Cook, the Sompnour, and

the Miller. The ladies would, therefore, have been left in possession had

it not been for the unfortunate error of the good Wife. Any multiple of

2,520 added to 29 would also have served the same purpose, beginning the

count at the Doctor.

The Canterbury Puzzles, and Other Curious Problems · 第 167 / 286 题