"SN three fr DKA," began Southampton. "Time 9:50 G."
Which meant that Southampton had for the Prinzsessin Ottilie three messages and that the time was 9:50 o'clock Greenwich.
Fritz glanced at the clock above his desk.
"Time OK. GA," he signalled, the "GA" being radio for "Go ahead."
"MSG one," went on Southampton. "Eight w Gary. DKA. Directors have command of situation. Morrissy.
"MSG two. Nine w Gardenshire, DKA. Missed boat will follow by Carmania. Hickle.
"MSG three. Eleven w Hodges, DKA. Coffee will go thirteen Thursday shall I sell. Perkins."
Fritz had taken it all down with religious care. At the last word he snapped open his key.
"OK. Thanks GN," he ticked off, the "GN" being, of course, "good-night."
He waited a moment, but there were no other calls for the Ottilie, and he took off his receiver. Pachmann followed suit.