No. 001 - Simple Addition [Written]

[reminded]

[It's about time to give this device a go. In neat, legible writing is simply the following:]

5 + 5 + 5 = 550

It appears I have my arithmetic out of sorts. However, it would be a shame to scrap the equation entirely. Can you help me correct it by adding a single straight line?

Comments

[reminded]

No, never. This was his first visit.

[gleamed]

Did the man go to the bar for any reason besides the glass of water?

[reminded]

Yes, in fact.

[A successful lead. How exciting!]

[gleamed]

[Oooh!]

Was he any kind of criminal?

[reminded]

No, nor did he look like one.

[gleamed]

Did he want the glass of water to drink it?

[reminded]

Yes.

[gleamed]

Did he want to drink it because he was thirsty?

[reminded]

[Oho.]

No. He had a different reason.

[gleamed]

[Aha!]

Did he want to drink it because there was something wrong with him, like a sickness?

[reminded]

In a manner of speaking, perhaps. There was something "wrong" with him, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a sickness.

[gleamed]

...Was he allergic to water?

[reminded]

Oh goodness, no. Do you mean to ask if he was suicidal?

[How macabre.]

[gleamed]

He could have been brainwashed! Or a robot! [But. That probably sounds a little silly, doesn't it?] Let's see...did the bartender getting out the gun have to do with the man trying to drink the water?

[reminded]

[He supposes the robot possibility is likelier than one might think...]

Technically not, given that the bartender never actually handed over the water. But you have the right sentiment.

[gleamed]

[Ahh...]

Did the bartender have good intentions?

[reminded]

Only the best intentions, yes.

[gleamed]

So was he trying to save the man by pulling out the gun?

[reminded]

[He can taste victory right around the corner.]

In a manner of speaking. Can you tell me what he was saving the man from, precisely?

[gleamed]

From...[Hmm...something that the gun could accomplish instead of the water...] Oh! I think I've got it! Did he have the hiccups, so the gun scared them away?

[reminded]

Correct!

Having a gun suddenly pointed at you is likely enough to drive off even the most stubborn of hiccups. Personally, however, I think I'd still prefer the glass of water.

[gleamed]

[Huzzah!] I would, too! Using a gun to scare them off certainly doesn't seem preferable.

Thank you for the puzzle, that was a lot of fun!

[reminded]

Any time, my friend. If you ever find yourself in need of another, I would be happy to indulge you. Hershel Layton is my name.

[gleamed]

I'll keep that in mind! Thank you, Mr. Layton. My name is Rapunzel.