Prof.—U . D, U . . . D = D, U . . . D, U . . . . . . D = M, U . . . D, U . . . . . D = N.
Mlle.—It is a diamond ring.
Prof.—U . D, U . . . . D = C = 3.
Mlle.—It has three stones.
With reference to this last answer it must be explained that the numerals are represented by the letters of the alphabet, A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, &c.
Or again some person holds a bank-note numbered 15498. The Professor communicates this number thus:—
U . D, U . . . . . . D = 1, U . D, U . . D = 5, U . D, U . . . D = 4, U . . D, U . . . D = 9, U . . D, U . . D = 8.
Mlle. C then remarks, “The number is 15498.”
Cumbersome as this may seem at first, a little practice enables the signaling and translating to be done with great rapidity. All the codes previously described can be introduced, numbers being substituted for letters, or letters for numbers, as may seem expedient.
Mechanical second-sight has an extraordinary effect in an entertainment if well done. Both the Professor and his accomplice must be sharp and sure, the least mistake being not only disconcerting, but likely to arouse the suspicions of the spectators. If a mistake be made, the only thing to be done is for the Professor to pretend that he has himself mistaken the number or not noticed the object properly, and if this fail he must have recourse to pure “bluff.”