"Now, there, we have the radio station signal for Mars," Henry said.
"ZZYX."
"Looks crazy to me," observed Mr. Scoville, after Henry had explained
the signals for the benefit of his invisible audience.
"Perfectly simple, after we got on to the Martian's way of doubling up
on the consonants," said Henry. "It's something like pig-Latin. Very
similar to a code I used myself as a boy, at school, when I wished to
communicate something of a secret nature to a schoolmate. If you will
allow me, please, I will try and illustrate just what I mean."
He walked to the blackboard, and wrote in a large hand: "Lulookuk
outut! Tuteacuchuherur isus cucomuminungug!"
"Whatever does that mean?" asked Mr. Scoville, in some bewilderment.
"It means," replied Henry, returning to his place in front of the
microphone: "'Look out! Teacher is coming!'"
The audience rocked with laughter. Henry's poise was still serene, and
remained so until another sound reached his ears, rising above the
diminishing laughter. He glanced at his watch. Ten o'clock--to the
minute. Quickly he advanced to the edge of the stage, and raised his
hand, commanding silence. The audience was instantly stilled.