DEDUCTION

            “Here’s another, Chief,” said Det. Sue Bright, as she handed a small open box to Inspector G.E.T. Thebym.

            The Inspector placed the box on his desk beside four similar ones and scratched his head. “Okay, Bright, what is this informer trying to tell us? First he sends this spider web. Maybe he’s saying we’re dealing with a spy ring, rather than an individual. Then we get a piece of coal. Might have something to do with the abandoned mines north of town. This lump of melted silver - must have been a spoon. Is he telling us to look for someone who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth?”

He shook his head when he noticed Det. Bright was taking notes. “This pillow now. it appears to be one used in a wedding. The kind a little kid would carry down the aisle with the wedding rings on it. So check if any of our suspects got married recently.”

            He paused and stared at the latest arrival. He pushed it aside with one hand and rubbed his chin with the other.

            “I’m afraid this so-called informer is trying to confuse us, Bright. I can’t for the life of me see how a bacon strip fits into the picture.”