Topic: Commentary and Essays on Life and Events
 

 
This Blog has run for over 70 years of Print, Radio and Internet commentary. "Topic" is a daily column series written and presented by Andrew McCaskey for radio broadcast and print since February, 1932.
 
 
   
 
Sunday, January 26, 2003
 
SPILLS

You may be missing a lot of valuable information if you do not read murder mysteries.
'
For instance, until last week, I did not know what a “spill vase” ”is” or “”was.” Imagine not knowing that!

Just think of going through the rest of my years without knowing what a “spill vase” might have been or is? I cringe a bit when I think of such a shameful situation but I do wish to listen and to learn.

I came to count this knowledge as a new wrinkle in my brain with the guidance of one Agatha Christie who wrote a novel called “The Affair at Styles” some years ago which I have just got around to reading.

Periot - her wondeful little Belgian detective character - in his usual confusing logical logic makes quite a point of tearing up a document that is essential to the plot. I find out later that he has hidden the shreds in a Spill Vase in the living room of the manor house where the murder took place.

Clumsy as I am, I can make any vase become a vase that spills.

The dictionary defines a vase as being a container made to hold flowers and water.” In all fairness to the Noah who fashioned the dictionary , he does not append any limitations with control of the word "vase". It is conceivable, then, that such a vase might contain other items as well, or instead of. Right?

Having determined what a vase is - what, then, is a "spill?

I turned to the big, desk dictionary and well down list I found it. A spill is the same as a wooden splinter, or twisted bits of paper kept near a fireplace for use to light pipes or candles. Oh, those disciples of Noah are a knowledgeble breed, aren't they?

Now that I have found that out what he meant, I was back on track with Mr. Periot and could see where I thought he was leading me, which turned out to be somewhere else than where I had in mind.

But I learned what a spill vase is. Now, where else could I have acquired such a piece of information, I ask you? Now, alI have to do is find a fresh murder in a manor house and have need to hide a document. A spill vase would be the perfect place.

It would be safe there. So few people would know where to look.

A.L.M. January 24, 2003 [c423wds]
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