question_answer

The owner of a local Jewellery store hired 3 watchmen to guard his diamonds, but a thief still got in and stole some diamonds. On the way out, the thief met each watchman, one at a time. To each he gave \[\frac{1}{2}\] of diamonds he had then, and 2 more besides. He escaped with one diamond. How many did he steal originally?

A)  40                   

B)  36           

C)  25                   

D)  None of these