S e c r e t s

A dandified poodle holds a set electric clippers and glares balefully, as if to threaten the next person who tries to clip his curly fur. The poodle’s dense coat is nature’s way of keeping the dog dry while in the water. One of the oldest breeds, poodles were originally bred to hunt and clipping was done for good reasons. The pompom on the tail provided a way to lift them from the water and hair was kept around the front and back to protect the chest and kidneys. Now that the poodle is mainly kept as a household pet, the patterns seem merely fashionable. “Beau Brummel” is named for the famous trend setter of the English Regency, who knew probably hundreds of ways to tie his neckcloth. The code that appears around the base of the Version 1 is the same as that on “Signing Line,” and only the key word is different but can be guessed. All the clues to solving the cipher appear on “Signing Line,” and the only clue Peter provides is that the deciphered message is his opinion on the docking of dogs’ ears and tails. On the Version Infinity, the code has been removed. The mouse hangs on to the cord between the poodle’s front paws.