"She wants to read it just because she can read big words without stopping to spell them," declared Gerald, after a glance at the open book.
Betty could read much better than Gerald ever expected to.
"It isn't that," was the reply, "but, if you will listen, you will know that the book tells it all better than I can. Now listen: 'The necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of signalling at sea'—Billy Grannis, stop making faces. I've got to begin it all over again. 'The necessity for a uniform and comprehensive system of signalling at sea and to shore stations on the coast of the United States and other countries has long been felt and discussed by those interested in maritime pursuits, and by the leading maritime powers of the world.' Now, Gerald, stop acting like a goose. You and Billy both know what 'maritime' means just as well as I do. Now listen, and I'll go on. 'In view of this necessity, the adoption of a common code of signals to be observed by all nations, discarding all other codes and systems, appears to be in a high degree desirable and important. The international code of signals has been recommended and adopted by nearly all the principal nations of the world, and it is now the only code recognized or of practical use. It is the only one which, from its completeness, is likely to fully meet the existing need.'
"Billy, what ails you? Do stop laughing. What's the matter with you, Gerald,—tooth-ache?"
"No, Betty, worse'n that. When I think how your jaws must feel, I—"
"Now, Gerald, I don't believe you know a word I've read."
"Well, Betty, I should say not. Who could?"
"What I want to know is, what are all these flags for?" demanded Billy. "So please shut that old book and tell us."
"You horrid boys," exclaimed Betty, "I don't see how you ever expect to 'mount to anything."