Journal Entry:

4 July 2020

2:20 AM (GMT)

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The Box

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Of the 44 keys many fitted, however they did not open the locked box. Percy (who has become quite an active participant on this quest) suggested I make a second attempt with each key. At last one key worked, and with a bit of a jiggle, the key turned and the lock opened.

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Type: Upon opening the box it appears to be an antique portable

writing desk. Period/Location of item: It is unclear when the box

was made, or who the previous owner(s) might have been. It does

appear old and well used.

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Appearance: The box is unremarkable from the outside, it consists of a lid with four hinges, two on the front where a single key hole is located and two on the back. The top is textured leather with lines which converge at a single metal handle. Its interior is an ashy charcoal.

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Contents: Removal of the contents in order

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1. Mini slide rule

2. A brass #4

3. Pieces of a puzzle

4. 4 smooth stones

5. Old blank book

6. Assorted pieces of written material

7. 44 seed-like items, differing in size and shape.

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After all the items were removed – a small note found at the bottom

which stated:

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"Just when you see the box is empty, look again! Search deeper,

into the far reaches."

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After finding the note, it becomes apparent that the measurements of

the interior of the box exceed those of the exterior, by 1 cm on each

side. The mini slide rule (included in the box) which is marked in 1/40th

of an inch increments, was used to confirm this.

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Looking beneath an internal shelf, it was difficult to determine how far it went. I reached in, my paw and arm extended beyond the barriers of the back wall of the box. I searched further and located a slender piece of metal which I was unable to dislodge.

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Additional notes:

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Mary Poppins states “Never judge things by their appearance...even carpetbags.” perhaps not even solid boxes!

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Questions:

1. Is the inside of this box without boundaries?

2. What do the pieces mean?

3. Does Arktos-By-The-Sea exist?

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Perhaps this puzzle will answer some of these questions. If you are reading my journal entries can you help me figure this out? Puzzle pieces have been uploaded at this link.  

 

https://www.jigsawplanet.com/?rc=play&pid=29ee87b1b8cf

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