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Amusements in Mathematics by Henry Ernest Dudeney
page 69 of 735 (09%)
assisted him in his dilemma? How long were the candles burning?


103.--PAINTING THE LAMP-POSTS.

Tim Murphy and Pat Donovan were engaged by the local authorities to
paint the lamp-posts in a certain street. Tim, who was an early riser,
arrived first on the job, and had painted three on the south side when
Pat turned up and pointed out that Tim's contract was for the north
side. So Tim started afresh on the north side and Pat continued on the
south. When Pat had finished his side he went across the street and
painted six posts for Tim, and then the job was finished. As there was
an equal number of lamp-posts on each side of the street, the simple
question is: Which man painted the more lamp-posts, and just how many
more?


104.--CATCHING THE THIEF.

"Now, constable," said the defendant's counsel in cross-examination,"
you say that the prisoner was exactly twenty-seven steps ahead of you
when you started to run after him?"

"Yes, sir."

"And you swear that he takes eight steps to your five?"

"That is so."

"Then I ask you, constable, as an intelligent man, to explain how you
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