The message did not get through complete, and even the fates seemed to be against the men, for the automatic transmitter failed after but a few hours operation. It was afterwards discovered (by the Thurston Expedition in 1994) that the intense heat of the sun’s rays had melted the sealing compound of the transformers and caused a short circuit. The only parts of the message that did get through read: “Relief———crashed———ox—en——— gyp—m———electrolysis assures supp———food sc—t———help” As even this came only a few letters at a time, despite the fact that almost every amateur and professional operator was tuned to it after the messages started coming, it is understandable that a terrific debate began. It was almost impossible to determine where, in the message, the letters received belonged. So
