GC SF Sp WH BV YL BT CP SA CB CC Back to puzzle

Cactus Canyon

ANDARAC

by Justin Graham
Answer: SMOKE

Solvers should first put the telegrams into chronological order.

Simple letter to number conversion of the timestamps gives ANGLO-AMERICAN.

Simple letter to number conversion of the dates gives CODE AND CYPHER.

An Internet search of the full phrase will bring up (multiple) links to the full text document of "The Anglo-American telegraphic code to cheapen telegraphy and to furnish a complete cypher" published by the "Anglo American Code and Cypher Co." in 1894. (Indeed, an Internet search of several of the very unusual "words" on the telegrams like BOTANOLOLY will also bring up this source document). Full text of this cipher can be found here. There is an older version of the code book from 1891 on Google Books which is also perfectly fine for solving this puzzle.

This code is one of the most comprehensive (and digitally preserved) of the literally thousands of proprietary code sets that were developed in the 19th century to reduce telegraph bandwidth and provide a bit of secrecy primarily to business communications. There's a very comprehensive list of these codes and more history at http://www.jmcvey.net/cable/index.htm

In this puzzle, someone is using the Anglo American code system to clue words that are typical Britishisms. The clues, and their answers are as follows:

Telegram 1 (in chronological order)

ABLUMINOUSYou must be guided by his (their) advice
QUIVERWill reply to your question(s)
NEOCRACYWatch the newspapers

cluing AGONY COLUMN

Telegram 2

SPERATEThe statement is
UNNAILFor the use of
COCCUScomplete surprise

cluing BLIMEY

Telegram 3

GARRULOUSI thank you for your gift
YOKELETyesterday morning
DEDOLENTDecember 25th
GIGANTICGoods
DISLIKEwill be discounted
TREENsome time to-day

cluing BOXING DAY

Telegram 4

FIGURISTThe feeling is
PISCARYPleased
SARDANSSatisfied

cluing CHUFFED

Telegram 5

BLACKISHA great blunder
LACEMANLarge
MOMENTMistake
OFFICIALLYOffense was taken

cluing CLANGER

Telegram 6

CARLICCelebration in commemoration of
EVICTEDExplosion
FAMOUSHas failed
CASSIDONYA bad character
APYREXYWas (were) arrested (for)
NOTION5th of November

cluing GUY FAWKES NIGHT

Telegram 7

IMPISHImproper behavior
MANIPLEManipulated
MANTILLAIn some manner
CRANTARAContrived

cluing JIGGERY-POKERY

Telegram 8

QUELLSecond class quality
GIGGLINGGoods are cheap
SALTATORYWill be for sale
CAUSTICITYWill contribute to charitable purposes

cluing JUMBLE SALE

Telegram 9

CRISPYRequire(s) a good pastry cook
ONELYOften
ACONTIASWill be accompanied by
BOTANOLOLYCreamery prime butter
BROKENImperial tea

cluing SCONE

Telegram 10

PROCIDUOUSProgress
PRESIDINGIs prevented
IGNIPOTENTCan you imagine the
ELUXATEThe engine has been

cluing SPANNER IN THE WORKS

Telegram 11

SHODINGA serious difficulty
ALIQUOTIt will affect the situation (of)
CERNOUSCircumstances are unfavorable

cluing STICKY-WICKET

Telegram 12

PINDARICDifficult to please
CRAFTSMANContrary
OBSTUPEFYVery obstinate
COMPLOREWill concede nothing

cluing STROPPY

Telegram 13

CLUSTERYComplain(s) of
COMPOTORa small concern
TRABEAMany times

cluing WHINGE


Extract the letters from the numbered blanks to form the phrase:

MUST BE SOLD AT PUBLIC AUCTION

Decode the title of the puzzle (ANDARAC) for instructions for the final step: "Answer by the Anglo-American Code"

"Must be sold at public auction" is encoded by the word SMOKE

Inspiration for this puzzle came from childofatom's Geocaching puzzle "It Begins at the Merchants' Gate," which can be found here (and in Manhattan's Central Park): https://coord.info/GC20T06 In the world of hit-or-miss geocaching puzzles, childofatom's puzzles are all first-rate and well worth your time, even if you can't get yourself to NYC to actually find the geocaches.. All of his "Gate" puzzles can be found here: https://www.geocaching.com/bookmarks/view.aspx?guid=5e6ce41a-64e9-4ad4-9d6e-a8af6a3db723