"What's a Q T E?" inquired both Dick and Walter simultaneously.
"Those particular letters mean: What is my true bearing? It takes less time to send the letters than to spell out the entire sentence and therefore a simple code which means the same in all languages is used. When such a call is received the operator replies: Q T S (meaning: Your true bearing is) and then follows it with the number of degrees from his radio post stated in words, and also the name of the station responding to the message. It is a general rule, by-the-by, that all numerals used in any wireless communication must be spelled out to make sure of their being perfectly understood."
"What a bother!" ejaculated Walter.
"It prevents mistakes, brother; and if it does that it is certainly worth the trouble."
"I suppose so," answered His Highness a trifle crestfallen.
"Then what do you say next?" interrupted Dick, who was much interested in the subject in hand.
"Well, after you have given the true bearing the ship wires: Q T F."
"And that means?"
"What is my position?"
"And you have to repeat those words before giving it just as you did before?" asked Dick.