She was pert and pretty, a combination that overwhelmingly reminded Jed of Jenny. Watching this IBM tour guide explain the latest in computer design, the professor/horsepacker, and now 'professional spy', was thinking instead of holding Ms. MacPherson in his arms once again. Perhaps as Mrs. Smith!

Enough of that. Jed had a mission to accomplish. He was reminded of this when one of the Cub Scouts, taking the 3:45 PM tour of the new IBM World Headquarters at Arrmock, New York, just outside of White Plains, asked a question. Jed had no plan of action when he pushed open the massive oak doors of the main entrance, and crossed the half-acre of plush carpeting to reach the reception desk. For the nth time in the past two days Jed wished he had kept the typewriter key instead of sacrificing it to Anthoney. Asking the right questions would have been easier with an example.

When the Scout pack of wolves, bears, and lions arrived, inspiration led Jed to giving the impression that he was a father, just tagging along. This was how he was in position to follow up one young warmonger's queries —in the section of the museum devoted to the 1940-1950's— about the trajectory of artillery shells, to break in with, "When exactly did IBM begin experimenting with code breaking?"

"I glad you asked that, Sir!" the girl flashed a smile that equally could have meant 'good question' or 'yes, let's move right along as my feet are killing me,' and added, "If you had asked me that six months ago, we wouldn't have been able to respond. However, that information has be reclassified by the government, and in no longer top secret. IBM was instrumental in helping win the Battle of Midway, one of the foremost victories in World War II against the Japanese. Over here we have an early, but still functioning IBM decoder, based on the 'B' series of our first electric typewriters."

"Is this an American copy of Enigma?" Jed asked, moving in for a closer look.

"Sir, I'm not familiar with that make, but I can assure you that our research and development department rarely copies anyone else's ideas."

Not finding what he was looking for, Jed ventured a step farther by pulling out paper and pencil, "I can make out what all of these keys were used for. Would you happen to know what this symbol (he drew a ~) would represent?"

"Hmm. Where have I seen that? Yes. Over here on this machine."

"What is the difference? They both look alike?"