“‘Have you any’”—replied Lingall, who was the signal-officer, and who had carefully studied his duties since his unexpected promotion. “Reply that the signal is understood, quartermaster.”
The proper flag was set, whereupon the Josephine began to display single letters, indicating that the article for which she desired to ask was not contained in the signal code. The process was slow, but it was sure in the end.
“How far have you got?” asked O’Hara.
“C-h-l-o,” replied Lingall.
“By the powers, you have made a mistake, Mr. Lingall!” said the fourth lieutenant, with a laugh.
“I think not, sir: I take down each letter as it comes,” replied Lingall.
“You have misplaced the letters: it is c-h-o-l they mean; and they want to ask if we have the c-h-o-l-i-c, colic.”
“I think not, sir; for I don’t believe that is the way they spell ‘colic’ on board of the Josephine,” added Lingall, with a smile, and not quite sure that it was prudent to expose the blunder of his superior.
“Faix, you have me there! I see you have learned your spelling-lesson well, Mr. Lingall.”
“‘R,’” continued the signal-officer, adding another letter to the unfinished word.