CHAPTER XI
The Semaphore Message
"Stand by with the Red Ensign and Code Pennant, Rayburn," ordered Patrol Leader Woodleigh.
The Olivette had passed Start Point, and was approaching the low-lying extremity known as Prawle Point, on which is built a Lloyd's signal-station.
The Southend lads watched the operation of "making her number" with deep interest. They had often heard and read of vessels proclaiming their names and destination by this means, but this was the first occasion on which they were about to see the "real thing".
Rayburn, the Olivette's "bunting tosser" had brought the signal-locker close to the base of the mast. Deftly he toggled the ensign above the red and white striped pennant and hoisted it. Then he drew four flags from the locker.
"That's our number," he explained to the temporary crew.
"'K J V T'—that's not a number," observed Findlay, who knew the International Code Flags by heart.
"Isn't it? It is," rejoined Rayburn. "They are letter flags, but they form a number all the same. They tell the signal-station that we are the Olivette of London. Stand by with the signal-book, Hepburn." The Sea Scout signalman had the four flags together, and was now watching Prawle Point station through his binoculars.