“Mr. Melville,” he said, “if you have no objection, I shall study out that cipher.”
“That I think is impossible; it has been prepared with care, and it will take a greater expert than you to unravel it.”
Ben smiled in his pleasing way as he answered:
“I am fond of unraveling puzzles, and I believe I can take this apart.”
“I will be surprised if you succeed; but if you do, keep it a secret from everyone but myself.”
“You may depend on that.”
The odd times which Ben could secure through the day were spent in studying the mysterious letters; but when he placed it in his pocket at night and started for home, he had not caught the first glimmer of its meaning.
But he was hopeful and said he would never give it up until he made it as clear as noonday, and I knew that if it was within the range of accomplishment, he would keep his word. I have told enough to show my readers he was unusually intelligent and quick-witted, but I am free to confess that I had scarcely a hope of his success.
“I’ve got it!”
That was the whispered exclamation with which Ben Mayberry greeted me the next morning when he entered the office.