IN THE WHOLE relm of puzzledom, and geometry included, there is nothing so fascinating and eminently scientific as the series of problems pertaining to the form of the Greek cross and its peculiar relations to the square, parallelogram and other symmetrical shapes.
As differing from the well-known mathematical problem of converting the cross into a square by the fewest, possible number of cuts, attention is called to the following pretty feat of changing one cross into two.
lt appears that one of our wounded boys in blue, who was returning home after being nursed back to life by a faithful Red Cross lassie, begged the red cross from her arm as a keepsake, but she, in true sweetheart style, took her scissors and by a few deft clips, cut the cross into several pieces, which could be fitted together perfectly so as to make two crosses, of similar size. It is a simple but beautiful trick, and the satisfaction of guessing it will be as great as if you should win a prize.
The following illustration shows how the Greek cross may be cut into five pieces which will form two crosses of the same size. Cut as shown in Fig. 1, and rearrange the small pieces as shown in Fig. 2.
2. CHARADE.
Don’t lose me friends, though day and night
I mock the swiftest bird in flight.
I'm murdered by mankind at large
Reverse me—quickly I discharge.
Transposed, I'm in a bill' tis clear
Once more an insect will appear.
Cipher Ans. 20, 9, 13, 5.
TIME
3. A REBUS.
My first is possessed by the Queen.
May Providence long smile upon her!
My next at her court may be seen
By those whom she choses to honor.
My whole, 'tis admitted by all, kind reader,
In learning and literature stands as a leader.
Cipher Ans. 20, 9, 20, 12, 5, 16, 1, 7, 5.
TITLEPAGE
4.
Why should buying trousers on credit be considered dishonorable? Because they are breeches of trust.
5. CHARADE.
A bitter fruit of sin—in deeds accurs'd—
Teeming with ills to man, behold my first;
Oft have its victims to my next been driven;
To herd with beasts from home and kindred riven,
My whole extends his guardian power
O'er cloister’d fane and battled tower.
Cipher Ans. 23, 1, 18, 4, 5, 14.
WARDEN
6. A REBUS.
My first to my second is like a twin brother;
Each seems but an echo—the one to the other.
My whole may be heard 'mid the wild surging throng,
Or where the cool rivulet dances along.
Cipher Ans. 13, 21, 18, 13, 21, 18.
MURMUR
[Page 157]