The Mad Hatter poured Alice another cup of tea and set the teapot down.

"May I please have one of those biscuits?" asked Alice rather timedly, rather taken aback by the sight of her present company.

"A biscuit?? Oh, I don't know. Those are the March Hare's special un-birthday biscuits, don't you know. Can she have a biscuit, March ?" asked the Hatter.

"A biscuit?? One of mine? Hurmph. Ok, I'm thinking of an integer from one to three (inclusive). If you get it, you can have a biscuit. If not, I'm afraid you'll just have to leave" said the March Hare, leaning back.

"Oh goodness, I don't know" said Alice worriedly. "Couldn't I just get a hint?"

"Oh, all right..." the March Hare sighed. "You get to ask me one yes-or-no question, that's all"

Alice thought for a moment, then smiled, knowing exactly what to ask.

What question should Alice ask?

Ask the March Hare, "Do I get a biscuit if I don't answer '3' ?" If the Hare says yes, then don't answer at all and take your biscuit. If the Hare says no, then answer '3' and take your biscuit.

Posted by erdos on 2005-01-01 20:11:52