# A curious parcel arrived last night **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [October 19, 2007, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309 "2007-10-19T16:42:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Balance](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ccd318/32.png) [@Balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balance)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/141 "2007-10-22T15:26:53Z")
I apologize for the lack of pictures; my antiquated digital camera is not playing nicely with my new computer, and I haven’t been able to upload them. I can give a slightly better description, however. Each tile is almost one-half inch square, with rounded corners, and is angled inward slightly toward the narrow end of the box. The highest edge of a tile appears to overlap the lowest edge of the next tile, but they can be pressed inward without striking one another. I think it’s moot, anyway. I believe **SnakesCatLady** is right, and I feel like a fool for not having seen it. The unusually stiff tiles are not evidence of a failed mechanism, but of one that still works surprisingly well. I have discovered that when one such tile is depressed, others become locked in place, while the “normal” tiles are unaffected. I now suspect that they are part of a rather sophisticated combination lock. I have begun experimenting with combinations, but there are a quite a few of these tiles, so it may take some time. I am growing increasingly concerned about my friends. Given the time it must have taken for the package to reach the Spook, and then for him to find me and send it on, Digger surely should have reached the States by now. Yet he has contacted neither me nor his office. The Spook is still unaccounted for as well, and his secretary seemed uneasy when I spoke with her today. I have suggested that they file missing-persons reports, as they are in a better position to do so than I. Perhaps I am being paranoid—it would certainly not be a new experience for me—but I have resumed my old habit of sleeping with weapons close to hand. ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/142 "2007-10-22T15:27:09Z")
[QUOTE=blondebear] Nobody has warned you about this yet…I strongly suggest you check for any inscription that says _“Lament Configuration”_. :eek: [/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Missy2U] You know, I’m so thinking [Cenobites](http://www.hellraiserthemovie.com/cenobites.html) right about now… [/QUOTE] (Psst…Post #5! 😛 ) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_chao_goes_mu/32/3191_2.png) [@The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Chao_Goes_Mu)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/143 "2007-10-22T15:41:47Z")
**Balance** , Are there any designs on the tiles? You did say it was made of wood, correct? I am in the camp that holds that the tiles are part of the locking mechanism. Perhaps the first in a series of locks. Could be a 3-lock box. It’s going to be tough I would assume since you have no idea if you are to push a series of tiles in a certain order or certain tiles simultaneously. You may even have to tilt the box a certain way when entering the “combination.” Oh, how I wish there were pictures! ---
**Author:** ![The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_chao_goes_mu/32/3191_2.png) [@The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Chao_Goes_Mu)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/144 "2007-10-22T15:51:44Z")
I missed the edit window. Given the dimensions, it almost sounds as though it’s shaped like a coffinette. Am I wrong in this assumption? ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/145 "2007-10-22T15:57:56Z")
Those of you who think this is an April Fools whoosh are just wrong: This is obviously a build up to a Halloween story. ---
**Author:** ![picunurse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7bcc69/32.png) [@picunurse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/picunurse)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/146 "2007-10-22T16:19:09Z")
> [@Balance](#): > > I think it’s moot, anyway. I believe SnakesCatLady is right, and I feel like a fool for not having seen it. The unusually stiff tiles are not evidence of a failed mechanism, but of one that still works surprisingly well. I have discovered that when one such tile is depressed, others become locked in place, while the “normal” tiles are unaffected. I now suspect that they are part of a rather sophisticated combination lock. I have begun experimenting with combinations, but there are a quite a few of these tiles, so it may take some time. Hey, I guessed puzzle first… (pouts, then sits avidly awaiting more..) ---
**Author:** ![The\_Controvert](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/dec6dc/32.png) [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/147 "2007-10-22T16:30:28Z")
Since it’s wood, you could always just X-Ray or MRI the sucker. Or drill a hole. Or get out some pliers. Or find your favorite whittling knife. Or set upon it with a screwdriver. Or drop it off the roof. If it’s indestructible, that’s another data point in favor of Cenobitic origins. ---
**Author:** ![brewha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/91b2a8/32.png) [@brewha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brewha)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/148 "2007-10-22T17:00:05Z")
Didn’t you read the Da Vinci Code?!? Destroying the box will obviously release the vinegar which will destroy the map that is drawn on delicate parchment! ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/149 "2007-10-22T17:12:35Z")
[QUOTE=Otto] All this buildup for an ancient Egyptian Rubik’s cube. Feh. [/QUOTE] Yeah. Remember when those things were all the rage back in the early 80s? Early 1780s, I mean. Crazy, crazy time to be alive. I still have my powdered wig and man tights. Hey, they could come back! ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/150 "2007-10-22T17:21:07Z")
Og smash box. this is killing me. ---
**Author:** ![shamrock227](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@shamrock227](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shamrock227)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/151 "2007-10-22T17:39:42Z")
:: drags fireplace, wood, and several overstuffed leather chairs into thread :: Can someone light the fireplace? This story deserves a nice, crackling fire. **sits on edge of seat waiting for more story** ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/152 "2007-10-22T17:44:35Z")
[QUOTE=shamrock227] :: drags fireplace, wood, and several overstuffed leather chairs into thread :: Can someone light the fireplace? This story deserves a nice, crackling fire. **sits on edge of seat waiting for more story** [/QUOTE] Have a cookie. And some cocoa. Can I have the afghan? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_chao_goes_mu/32/3191_2.png) [@The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Chao_Goes_Mu)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/153 "2007-10-22T17:56:34Z")
[QUOTE=eleanorigby] Have a cookie. And some cocoa. Can I have the afghan? [/QUOTE] Use of the afghan is dependent on solving a little riddle… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Zebra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/c0e974/32.png) [@Zebra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zebra)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/154 "2007-10-22T18:06:04Z")
[QUOTE=Sophistry and Illusion] If I have that goddamned song in my head for the rest of the day, I will personally hunt you down and kill you. [/QUOTE] Please do, as it is stuck in my head. ---
**Author:** ![Kythereia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e8c25b/32.png) [@Kythereia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kythereia)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/155 "2007-10-22T18:08:37Z")
[QUOTE=The Chao Goes Mu] Use of the afghan is dependent on solving a little riddle… 😉 [/QUOTE] Too late, I already stole it. (Are the Nazis going to come and hunt me down now?) ---
**Author:** ![FlyingCowOfDoom](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/flyingcowofdoom/32/21776_2.png) [@FlyingCowOfDoom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyingCowOfDoom)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/156 "2007-10-22T18:10:30Z")
I don’t believe you until you post pictures. Captivating story, though! –FCOD ---
**Author:** ![Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b3f665/32.png) [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophistry_and_Illusion)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/157 "2007-10-22T18:22:04Z")
[QUOTE=Zebra] Please do, as it is stuck in my head. [/QUOTE] Oh, good. Then the more diabolical course of action is to let you live. : cue diabolical laughter : ---
**Author:** ![The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_chao_goes_mu/32/3191_2.png) [@The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Chao_Goes_Mu)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/158 "2007-10-22T18:42:52Z")
[QUOTE=Kythereia] Too late, I already stole it. (Are the Nazis going to come and hunt me down now?) [/QUOTE] Yup. Paging [Colonel Arnold Toht.](http://indianajones.ugo.com/gallery.asp?cur=Arnold-Toht&imgId=2) 😃 ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/159 "2007-10-22T18:44:02Z")
[QUOTE=Kythereia] Too late, I already stole it. (Are the Nazis going to come and hunt me down now?) [/QUOTE] I meant a warm throw, not an Afghan! (is he cute?) Don’t Nazis get a day off here and there? Just curious. ---
**Author:** ![Most\_Creative\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Most\_Creative\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Most_Creative_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2007, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309/160 "2007-10-22T20:00:40Z")
_Comes in carrying a heap of quilts_ Can I listen to more of the story if I share? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-curious-parcel-arrived-last-night/423309.md?page=9)