#2             73. DIAMONDS ARE NOT FOREVER                       

A servant quietly enters the empty bedroom of Elizabeth Tinker, the famous film actress.

The film star’s fabulous collection of diamonds lies on the table in a box with a sliding lid.

The servant knows that inside the box there is also a live and very deadly snake.

In just one minute he manages to steal several precious gems.

He does not take the snake out of the box, nor does he interfere with the snake in any way.

He doesn’t even wear anything to protect his hands.

And when Miss Tinker returns a moment later, the box and snake are in exactly the same condition as before – except for the missing diamonds!

How was it done?
HINT 1

At first glance this problem seems to be impossible. Read carefully through the text. Is there anything that strikes you as slightly curious or unusual?
HINT 2

What about the description of the box?
SOLUTION

The key to this problem is that the box has a sliding lid.

The servant tipped the box upside down, and then slid back the lid just sufficiently to let several diamonds fall out.
EXTENSION

Many puzzles depend on inserting some variation which the reader (it is hoped) won’t notice. Most readers thinking of a jewel box will assume it has a hinged opening lid, and so the theft descibed here appears impossible. Always read a puzzle carefully to make sure you have all the information.