A courier was ambushed in a desert oasis, and his map to a lost treasure was stolen. Three nomads were resting nearby. Nomad A had wet hair and claimed he had been swimming in the spring. Nomad B had dry sand on his knees and claimed he had been praying facing east. Nomad C had a wet canteen and claimed he had been rationing his water. The detective immediately identified the thief. Who was it?
Nomad C
In a desert oasis with a plentiful spring (as Nomad A used), there is no reason to have a wet canteen unless you just used the water to wash away something or create an alibi, or wait—Nomad C's canteen being wet externally implies he spilled water on himself while rushing back from the crime scene, whereas a normal traveler keeps water inside. Actually, look at Nomad A: swimming in the spring. Nomad B: dry sand. Nomad C: wet canteen. If the oasis has a spring, why is the canteen wet on the outside? Because he dropped it in the spring while running away with the map.
About this riddle
Detective riddles are tiny mysteries. Look for the detail in the story that does not fit; it is usually the clue that solves the case.
Difficulty: Hard. More like this: Detective riddles with answers or try Truth & Lie Island for a different kind of puzzle.
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