| Not only children even the grown-ups are | | | | same size. For this purpose, two pieces of the |
| fascinated by invisible ink and like to use secret | | | | same broomstick are ideal. |
| code. In this article you will find how to encode | | | | If you are the one who is sending the message, |
| the secret code. | | | | wrap a strip of paper around the rod so that the |
| Ciphering or encoding means making a piece of | | | | edges touch each other, and fasten the ends with |
| writing incomprehensible to those who are not in | | | | thumbtacks. Then, write the message along the |
| on the secret. Deciphering or decoding is the | | | | rod, turning it a bit after each line. To send the |
| reverse process. A code is a table of words, | | | | message, simply take off the strip and roll it up. |
| abbreviations, numbers, or other symbols which | | | | Anyone intercepting the message will rack his |
| can be substituted for words. You can even | | | | brains trying to figure it out. But the intended |
| combine different symbols according to your | | | | receiver merely has to wrap the strip around his |
| needs. | | | | half of the stick, and he can read the message |
| Most people already know some simple codes. | | | | without any trouble. |
| Perhaps you're familiar with the code which is | | | | Chessboard Code |
| created by reversing the alphabet Z is substituted | | | | The accompanying illustration gives a key for a |
| for A, Y for B, and so on. Or there is the code | | | | code that substitutes two numbers for every |
| that simply uses numbers instead of letters, | | | | letter. The letter "I" has been omitted because it |
| starting at any letter of the alphabet and going | | | | can be confused with the number 1, and you may |
| backward or forward. | | | | substitute "x" or any other letter of your choice. |
| You can make such simple codes more difficult if | | | | First find the letter you want, then the number in |
| you combine them. For example, you might | | | | the column to the left, and finally the number in |
| replace the first and last letters of a word by the | | | | the row at the top. Always write the number |
| letters immediately following them in the alphabet. | | | | from the left column first. In this code, the words |
| It is a good idea to break up long words into two | | | | MEET ME AT THE SEASHORE would read: |
| parts when using this code. | | | | 82656594 8265 6194 947365 |
| We are waiting for you XF BRF XAITINH GOS | | | | 9365619373849265. |
| ZOV | | | | To make it harder for outsiders to break the |
| In addition, you could also encode the result with | | | | code, you can divide the numbers into random |
| an alphabet of numbers. | | | | groups. The receiver will know that each pair of |
| Typewriter Code | | | | numbers represents one letter. In this case, a |
| If you know how to touch type with all ten | | | | comma was placed between two words: |
| fingers, you can construct a code by typing from | | | | 8 265/6594, 8 265 61-9 4 947 3-65/, 936 5619/ |
| a different basic position. For example, instead of | | | | 373 84 92 65. The other signs are there just to |
| resting your left fingers on asdf and the right on | | | | confuse the outsiders. |
| jkl, shift them a line up on the keyboard to qwer | | | | Another such code uses two letters for each |
| and uiop. Thus, when you typewait for usit comes | | | | letter of the message. Use any consonants at the |
| out: | | | | left; put the vowels at the top. Using this key, |
| 2q85 r94 7w. | | | | VACATION would come out |
| Strip Writing | | | | RABABIBAGORIFOFI. The same sorts of |
| You do not need a key to read or write this | | | | complications to prevent interception of the |
| remarkable code. All that is necessary is a rod or | | | | message can be used here as with the other |
| a stick. However, you have to be careful that the | | | | example. |
| sender's and receiver's sticks are exactly the | | | | |