The quartermaster turned to another page, and opposite this number appeared the name and port of the ship.
The ship hoisted another set of flags, which was answered by our own ship.
“She asks to know our reckonings,” said the quartermaster.
“Can a ship meeting another ask other questions in this way?” inquired George Howe.
“Oh, yes; two vessels miles apart can carry on a long conversation with each other. Ships have a regular alphabet of signal flags.”
“What are signals of distress?” asked George.
“That flag,” said the quartermaster, pointing to a picture in the book, “means a fire or a leak. (1)
“This means a want of food. (2)
“And that, aground. (3)
“Here is one that signifies, ‘Will you take a letter from me?’” (4)