Jeff, true or false, I marvel at the persistence many Beale enthusiasts have demonstrated by their tenacity to the goal of seeking a solution to the code enigma with nothing more then just a story and a presumption this story is true.

True or false, the Beale code demonstrates the flair that many people used and exercised during our renaissance period of time to protect their valuables. It is possible that more money has been spent on Beale books by authors that never found the Treasure either then all of the Treasure alleged to have been cached in the ground.

That's just the way our free society is. If seekers can't find it, they sell illusions why the hunt is a wise choice.

I personally never was a student of the Beale codes. Heck, if I am going to invest in Treasure Hunting, I will need a mountain full of Treasure to be worthy of my efforts. You will never see me on a beach with a metal detector.

Feff, I solute you on your choice in the Beale matter. You made a good point. I agree that the bird is gone too, which ever opinion is exercised. I would certainly choose another place to hike around other then Bedford. I presented the references for the other point of view on the Beale case. I doubt if the case will ever be resolved due to the 525 posts about the subject on www.About.com.

Yet, if there is a decision in this Beale enigma in some century, I do feel as you do that the bird is gone---or perhaps the bird never lived? It is not easy to identify a liar then as well as today--so the search goes on, and on, and on, and on--etc.

After everything has been said and done in the Beale resolve, perhaps the end is beast asked by the Beale venders that offer these haunting questions in the field---Peanuts, popcorn or Cracker-Jacks? Coffee, Tea or milk? Richard.