Henry Ernest Dudeney/Puzzles and Curious Problems/136 - Juvenile Highwaymen

Puzzles and Curious Problems by Henry Ernest Dudeney: $136$

Juvenile Highwaymen

Three juvenile highwaymen called upon an apple-woman to "stand and deliver."

Tom seized half of the apples, but returned $10$ to the basket;

Ben took one-third of what were left, but returned $2$ that he did not fancy;

Jim took half of the remainder, but threw back one that was worm-eaten.

The woman was then left with only $12$ in her basket.

How many had she before the raid was made?

Sources

• 1932: Henry Ernest Dudeney: Puzzles and Curious Problems ... (previous) ... (next): Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems: Various Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems: $136$. -- Juvenile Highwaymen
• 1968: Henry Ernest Dudeney: 536 Puzzles & Curious Problems ... (previous) ... (next): Arithmetical and Algebraical Problems: Miscellaneous Puzzles: $209$. Juvenile Highwaymen