You arrive at another tea party of the Mad Hatter’s to find him in a strange mood. He tells you that he seems to have lost half a guinea, and can’t find it anywhere! You’re not sure what use he has for money, but he does appear to be lacking his usual charm.
“Perhaps someone stole it?” you suggest irresponsibly.
This sets the Hatter off. He believes that one of the guests at his last tea party must have been the culprit, as that is the last time he remembers having the money. The two of you set off to interrogate the suspects.
Dormouse was the last to leave the tea party. I wonder why…
DORMOUSE: I was fast asleep at the time, with my head in a teapot. I don’t see how I could’ve stolen anything in that state. What, you want to know where I went later? Somerset, I believe. Yes, of course Somerset is in Wonderland. Did I see anything strange? Hmm… I believe I saw a duck with two functions.
On the other hand, maybe it’s strange that the Cheshire Cat was the first to leave the party. Rather earlier than usual…
CHESHIRE CAT: Hm, maybe I did steal it. I was in Charlestown. No, the one here. What is “Indiana”? Is everyone there called Charles? Well they should be. Did I see anything strange? Yes, your face. Oh, and Seinfeld, “The Fire”. Yes, of course we have Seinfeld. I thought the guy at the birthday party fighting with George the whole episode looked like you. He must have done it somehow! Who was he?
…But maybe in the chaos of the other two coming and going, Tweedledum and his brother stole it!
TWEEDLEDUM: I don’t remember any guineas. Last I remember I was in New Orleans with my bruva– you’ve never been? So I was with Tweedledee, taking a nap in the park and enjoying life, when I was rudely awakened by the lads who collect garbage. I went home, put on my trousers, had a cup of tea, and thought about leaving the house… The Hatter’s house, I mean. That’s all I got. My bruva might know something!
All this incomprehensible talk of New Orleans and odd ducks and Seinfeld is making your head spin. The Hatter turns to talk to Tweedledee, when all of a sudden– you realize that it’s in the most obvious place it could be!
Where is it?