Don,

I carefully removed the bogus staple. Indications are that the original staple was removed, but for reasons unknown. The three layers of matches all have a second set of holes, which measure up to the original staple holes.

There was only one thing unusual, the second layer of matches had an impression between the two original staple holes, the impression that the bridging part of the staple leaves, reflective of being closer to the top of the staple. This same layer of matches also has a couple of reddish spots on the match heads. This comes from once having contact with the reddish brown ink of the Sands Hour-Glass Cowgirl on the inside cover.

I suspect that the someone took the matches apart, re-ordered the layers and re-stapled the book with a new staple.

I have left the staple out, and tucked the matches back into the cover and it shall remain thay way, as long as I am the owner.

Jim