"No, captain, to 'Ancient Science.' An old woman sawing a basket handle*; 'tis a rebus, and I like that."

I do not choose, however, to commit myself on a theme of such importance, and must refer the reader desirous of information to the "Oratiunculae de Rebus Praeter-Veteris," of Dundergutz.

It was like a dramatic rebus with which old Europe and new America alike became fascinated.

This I have in my hand is an ingenious contrivance-- a sort of practical rebus, I may call it: here, you see, it looks like an elegant heart-shaped box, portable--for the pocket; there, again, it becomes like a splendid double flower--an ornament for the table; and now"--Mr.

Not only do they have the chance to enjoy the acclaimed production - 'Rebus: Long Shadows' - at the Theatre Royal, they might also find themselves rubbing shoulders with its famous author Ian Rankin.

Up until recently Rebus had been played by former Coronation Street star Charles Lawson but due to TV commitments he has had to leave the production.

The set is sparse but somehow all the more dramatic for it and the use of shadowy lighting for the apparitions of the murdered women failed by Rebus was a real winner.

A different case sees Rebus investigating a young man jailed for inexplicably murdering his girlfriend.

Retired, on the wagon, and haunted by the ghosts of murders he failed to solve in the past, a suitably miserable Rebus is faced with an ongoing investigation that, ironically, might put the ageing sleuth behind bars.

Celebrations to mark the 30th anniversary of Rankin's first Rebus title were held last month in Edinburgh at RebusFest.

At the start of the book, Rebus becomes intrigued with a cold case in which a vivacious woman married to a leading Scottish banker known to enjoy numerous affairs was found murdered in a hotel room many years before.