ure it out。
When Davies explained it； they all agreed it was a clever ＇＇122＇＇ idea； and a perfect message for extraterrestrials to send。 But the fact remained that none of them had been able to figure out this perfect message。
One of the people who had tried to figure it out； and had failed； was Ted。
〃Well； we didn't try very hard；〃 Ted said。 〃There was a lot going on at the conference。 And we didn't have you there； Harry。〃
〃You just wanted a free trip to Rome；〃 Harry said。
Beth said； 〃Is it my imagination； or have the door markingschanged？〃
Norman looked。 At first glance； the deep grooves appeared the same； but perhaps the pattern was different。 If so； the change was subtle。
〃We can pare it with old videotapes；〃 Barnes said。 〃It looks the same to me；〃 Ted said。 〃Anyway； it's metal。 I doubt it could change。〃
〃What we call metal is just a liquid that flows slowly at room temperature；〃 Harry said。 〃It's possible that this metal is changing。〃
〃I doubt it；〃 Ted said。
Barnes said； 〃You guys are supposed to be the experts。 We know this thing can open。 It's been open already。 How do we get it open again？〃
〃We're trying； Hal。〃
〃It doesn't look like you're doing anything。〃
From time to time； they glanced at Harry； but Harry just stood there； looking at the sphere； his hand on his chin； tapping his lower lip thoughtfully with his finger。
〃Harry？〃
Harry said nothing。
Ted went up and slapped the sphere with the flat of his hand。 It made a dull sound； but nothing happened。 Ted pounded the sphere with his fist； then he winced and rubbed his hand。
〃I don't think we can force our way in。 I think it has to let you in；〃 Norman said。 Nobody said anything after that。 〃My h