The dots indicate where the letters join.
For example: The semaphore sign for N consists of both arms pointing
downwards at an angle of 90 degrees ^. The letter I is shown by both
arms pointing to the left at the same angle >. The next N is shown
again, and the letter E is a single arm pointing upwards on the right
at an angle of 45 degrees /._

_In each word you start at the top of the signs and read downwards._

_This form of secret message was frequently used in the South African
War._]

These were in every case naturally written in cypher or secret code,
in Hindustani written in English characters, and so on. They were
rolled up into pellets and pressed into a small hole bored in a
walking-stick, the hole being then plugged with clay or soap. Or they
were put into the bowl of a pipe underneath the tobacco, and could
thus be burnt without suspicion if necessary, or they were slipped
in between the soles of the boots, or stitched in the lining of the
bearer's clothing. These natives also understood the language of
smoke-fires--signalling by means of little or big puffs of smoke as to
the enemy's moves and strength.

SECRET SIGNALS AND WARNINGS.

The native despatch-runners whom we sent out to make their way through
the enemy's lines carried the letters tightly rolled up in little
balls, coated with sheet lead, such as tea is packed in.

These little balls they carried slung round their necks on a string.
The moment that they saw an enemy coming near they dropped the
balls, which then looked like so many stones, on the ground, and took
bearings of the spot so that they could find them again when the coast
was clear.

Then there were fixed points for hiding letters for other spies to
find. Here are some of the most frequently used:

[Illustration: _This little mark, scratched on the ground or on a tree
trunk or gate-post, was used by one scout for the information of
another. It means: "A letter is hidden four paces in this direction."_

[Illustration: _A sign used to warn another scout that he is following
a wrong direction. It means: "Not this way."_]

[Illustration: _This is another sign from one scout to another and
means: "I have returned home."_]

[Illustration: _The "blaze" on the tree trunk and the two stones, one
on the other, are simply to show that the scout is on the right trail._

_The other three sketches are to show the direction in which the scout
should go. The arrow is marked on the gr