These thin
substances, through which the rays used formerly to pass without
leaving an impression, can now be easily radiographed."
I looked carefully as he traced out something on the queer
negative. On it, it was easily possible, following his guidance,
to read the words inscribed on the sheet of paper inside. So
admirably defined were all the details that even the gum on the
envelope and the edges of the sheet of paper inside the envelope
could be distinguished.
"It seems incredible," I exclaimed, scarcely believing what I
actually saw. "It is almost like second sight."
Kennedy smiled. "Any letter written with ink having a mineral base
can be radiographed," he added. "Even when the sheet is folded in
the usual way, it is possible, by taking a radiograph, as I have
done, stereoscopically. Then every detail can be seen standing out
in relief. Besides, it can be greatly magnified, which aids in
deciphering it if it is indistinct or jumbled up. Some of it looks
like mirror-writing. Ah," he continued, "here's something
interesting."
Together we managed to trace out the contents of several
paragraphs laboriously, the gist of which I give here:
"LIMA, PERU.
"DEAR WHITNEY:
"Matters are progressing very favorably here, considering the
stoppage of business due to the war.
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