T2B28

Second Tale Puzzle B:
If the suitor passed the first test, he was taken into another room in which there were three more caskets. Again each casket had two sentences inscribed on the lid. Portia ex­ plained that on one of the lids, both statements were true; on another, both statements were false; and on the third, one statement was true and one was false.
Gold
(1) THE PORTRAIT IS NOT IN THIS CASKET
(2) IT IS IN THE SILVER CASKET

Silver
(1) THE PORTRAIT IS NOT IN THE GOLD CASKET
(2) IT IS IN THE LEAD CASKET

Lead
(1) THE PORTRAIT IS NOT IN THIS CASKET
(2) IT IS IN THE GOLD CASKET

Which casket contains the portrait?

Answer:
If the portrait is in the gold casket, then the gold and silver casket lids each contain two false statements. If it is in the silver casket, then the silver and lead caskets each contain one true and one false statement. Therefore the portrait is in the lead casket (and the silver casket lid contains both true statements; the lead, both false; and the gold, one true and one false).