Sleight of mind.

September's puzzle: "How big was it?" brought in a record number of correct responses. The correct answer to the size of Art Otto's fish is: 72 oz. or 4 1/2 lbs.

The first three correct answers came from: Stephen H. Witt, senior vice-president, Centrex Bank, N.H; Ernesto Lopez, National

This month, we have a little brain teaser buried in some blarney. It's called ...

An Irish jaunt

"It was necessary," said Colonel Crackham, "for me to go one day from Baghooley to Ballyforyne, where I had to meet a friend. But the only conveyance obtainable was old Pat Doyle's rickety little cart, propelled by a mare whose working days, like her legs, were a bit over.

"It was soon evident that our rate of progress was both safe and steady, though unquestionably slow.

"I say, Pat" I inquired after a few minute's ride, 'has your engine got another speed?"

"Yes, begorra," the driver replied, 'but it's not so fast.'

"Then we'll keep her on this gear,' said I.

"Pat assured me that she would keep going at one pace until she got to her journey's end. She wouldn't slow down and she wouldn't put on any spurts.

"We have been on the road 20 minutes,' I remarked, looking at my watch. 'How far have we come from Baghooley?"

"Just half as far as it is from here to Pigtown,' said Pat.

"After a rapid refreshment at Pigtown we went on another five miles and then I asked Pat how far it was to Ballyfoyne. I got the same reply. It was dear he could only think in terms of Pigtown.

"Just half as far as it is from here to Pigtown.'

"Another hour's ride and we were at the end of our journey."

What is the distance from Baghooley to Ballyfoyne?

Send your answers, name, job title, bank, city, and state to us at PUZZLES on our website: http://www.ababj.com