"Now, that is our—the earth's—radio station signal," Henry explained. "Simply—'ABC.'"
Olinski erased the lettering, and then wrote: "ZUZZUZYUYX."
"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.
Then Henry spoke. "Everybody quiet, now! Mars is on the air!"