It is written in a sort of stenographic cipher of my own invention." "That is very awkward," I said, despondently.

"I know no more of shorthand than of Sanskrit, and though I once tried to make out a cipher, the only tangible result was a splitting headache." "With the key, which I will give you, a little instruction and practice, you should have no difficulty in making out my cipher.

It will be an exercise for your intelligence"-- smiling.

"Will you try ?" "My very best." "And now for the conditions.

In the first place, you must, in stenographic phrase, 'extend' my notes, write out the narrative in a legible hand and good English.