Brigandry on the High Road

Brian and the Alberts resumed their journeyings well-weighted with riches, and with a precious letter of introduction in Brian's saddlebag. Apparently Matthew, a neighboring king, was looking for a new chancellor; with the letter of introduction Brian hoped to be considered as a candidate. The riches he had gained so far were considerable, but could easily be lost once again.

This point was proved all too clearly when the trio was set upon by brigands on their second day out. Although the twins were excellent fighters, the attackers numbered more than a dozen. The fracas was over all too soon, and they would have been put to the sword at once if one of the attackers hadn't suddenly said, "Hoy! That's Brian the Brain, that is! Wot in ell's name is you doin out here with all this loot? Here I thought you was a softy!"

The brigands turned out to be a contingent from the prison. In gratitude for previous services rendered they didn't slit their victim's throats, but they certainly didn't offer to return the riches. Or the letter, on which Brian had placed so much hope.

Instead they promptly began quarrelling over the considerable treasure in the saddlebags. Unlike the first bag of gold, the prince's reward was made up of a wide variety of jewels, coins, and baubles that were not easily divided. After observing the heating tempers for a couple minutes, Brian called out with an offer to find a way to divide the treasure to the satisfaction of all, in return for the letter of introduction. After a brief discussion the group's leader agreed.

After Brian gave his solution, however, one of the brigands growled out "Once I get me cut, I'm not givin up one copper to no one else." There were mutters of agreement, and it looked like things were going to turn nasty.

Bert broke in that he had another solution. He assured them that in this solution no man would have to see his share shrink and shrink. At first the men were dubious, but in the end they agreed that his way of dividing the treasure was satisfactory and the settled down to divvy it up.

What were these two ways of fairly dividing the treasure? Both are, in fact, completely fair even if Brian's scheme is not so psychologically appealing.

Solution