Rapidly Roy deciphered the code and wrote down the despatch, as follows: Nantucket—barometer 30.28, wind north, gentle breeze. Delaware Breakwater—barometer 30.42, wind northeast, light air. Cape Hatteras—barometer 30.36, wind northeast, light breeze. Key West—barometer 30.02, wind northeast, gentle breeze. Pensacola—barometer 30.33, wind southeast, moderate gale.
Carefully Roy wrote out the message from the Tioga, and signed it with the Tioga captain’s name, making sure that every word was written plainly and spelled correctly. “I won’t give him a chance to criticize me,” he muttered.
Then, after a moment’s consideration, he wrote: “The United States Weather Bureau reports the following weather conditions.” And he copied down the deciphered message and signed his name: “Mercer.”
It was the first time Roy had ever signed his name as a professional operator and he thrilled with pride as he looked at the neatly penned message with his own signature at the bottom.
But immediately the smile of satisfaction was succeeded by a sour look. At that instant his door opened and the purser walked in.
“Why so glum?” he demanded. “Worrying about your shiner?”
“No,” said Roy. “I was thinking how much fun it will be to take this message to Captain Lansford.”
“Now see here, lad,” exploded the purser. “You’re not going to take it. Don’t forget you’re not a cabin-boy, but remember that you rank with the officers. And, anyway, it will be just as well to keep away from the captain for a time. He’s used to having everybody kotow to him. Just show him you are independent. He won’t think any the worse of you for it.”
“Come to think of it,” said Roy, “his orders were to go to the wireless house and not to bother him.”
“Just push this button when you want a steward,” said the purser, putting his finger on a push-button in the wall that Roy had not previously noticed.