No; the modern Greek would be ashamed of such childish performances. Unfortunately for the dupes, the signals he makes, can only be seen and recognised by his accomplice.
Of this, my readers will be able to judge for themselves, by the following explanatory table:—
If the confederate looks at—
| 1. His associate, he means | A king. |
| 2. The cards of his adversary | A queen. |
| 3. The stakes | A knave. |
| 4. The opposite side | An ace. |
And at the same time that he tells the card, he also tells the colour, by the following signs:
| 1. The mouth slightly open | A heart. |
| 2. The mouth shut | A diamond. |
| 3. The upper lip slightly projecting over the under | A club. |
| 4. The under lip projecting beyond the upper | A spade. |
Thus, for instance, if the Greek wishes to tell, that the adversary holds the queen, the knave, and the ace of hearts; he looks successively, at the cards of his adversary, at the stakes, and on the opposite side, holding his mouth slightly open the whole time.
From this it will be seen, that the secret telegraph may be used for all games alike, and put in requisition wherever there are spectators. In fact, nothing is more easy at piquet, than to indicate by the aid of these signals, when you are to take in cards, and when to refuse.
I have only thought it necessary, to give an example of some of the simplest and easiest signs; but I may add, that some sharpers have a large, and varied catalogue of signals, to designate different things, as circumstances require.
This secret telegraph is so nearly imperceptible, that it is difficult to describe, and quite impossible to detect.