It was a bright blue sunny Caribbean day with occasional fluffy clouds sailing by like galleons over an island with abundant jungle growth and a lively variety of bird chatter.<\/p>\n
\u201cLook there, Arby. Isn\u2019t that a tombstone,\u201d shouted Pascal, assistant to explorer Dr. Arbuthnot Smythe, as he ran to inspect a black rock hidden among foliage under some palm trees on the remote uninhabited Caribbean island Esmeralda.<\/p>\n
\u201cWell spotted,\u201d Dr. Smythe followed Pascal to inspect the black rock. \u201cClean up the surface so we can see what\u2019s written on it,\u201d said Dr. Smythe, following close behind.<\/p>\n
Pascal was already busy brushing the black rock free of debris and growth, revealing the large letters R\u00a0I\u00a0P with the name Jack Black Silver below.<\/p>\n
\u201cCould be treasure decoy work by Capt. Kidd, indicating that we are on the right track based on the parchment incrusted with an emerald and black seal we found in an old ship\u2019s log at Boggs\u2019 Antiquary in London,\u201d said Dr. Smythe after examining the black tombstone.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is more text chiseled in under the name,\u201d said Pascal enthusiastically. \u201cVery strange, there are three large numbers with letters.\u201d Pascal scratched his head with a puzzled look on his face.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are the numbers,\u201d asked Dr. Smythe, standing ready with notebook and pen.<\/p>\n
\u201cArby, they read as follows: 180XYZ34, 158XYZ and 982XYZ8, one number above the other,\u201d replied a befuddled Pascal.<\/p>\n
\u201cI say, definitely not coordinates,\u201d observed Dr. Arbuthnot Smythe, tapping his pen on the pad.<\/p>\n
\u201cWait, I see some small writing below which reads:<\/p>\n
\u2018By dyviding the dyvisor, ye pace 19 rest N, then pace 12 rest W.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n What in the world could all that gibberish mean?\u201d exclaimed Pascal.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm,\u201d said Dr. Smythe, scratching his van Dyke beard, concentrating on the numbers. \u201cI would say we need to work out what the letters stand for. I believe Capt. Kidd\u2019s treasure chest could be buried nearby,\u201d said Dr. Smythe deep in thought.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe the word \u2018rest\u2019 means \u2018remainder\u2019,\u201d commented Pascal.<\/p>\n \u201cInspired thought, Pascal, I think you are on the right track. Get your calculator out and let\u2019s solve this riddle,\u201d said Dr. Arbuthnot Smythe with enthusiasm.<\/p>\n About how many paces from the black tombstone would you say the treasure is located?<\/em><\/p>\nShare this:<\/h3>