I want it five or six inches long, so that when it is doubled up and twisted together, so as to be an inch long, it will be stiff enough for our purpose." Somewhat puzzled, O'Neil did as he was requested.

Desmond straightened out the fine wire wrapped round the centre thread, doubled, and again doubled it, and finally twisting it together, reduced it to a length of about an inch, and the thickness of a pin.

The others looked on, wondering what was his intention.
He held the paper out before him, and began pricking small holes through it, close together.

He continued to work for some time, and then held it up to the light.

The others understood the nature of his work, and they could now read: Come ten tonight under window.