As soon as the gun is out, Nos. 11 and 12 unship truck-crank and place it clear of gun-slide. No. 9 to Compressor-wheel, which he heaves hand taut. No 10 ships ratchet-levers and heaves well taut.[40] Gun Captain inserts percussion-primer.
VII. "TRAIN RIGHT!" (OR LEFT).
426. The officer of the gun sights through sight-hole, and orders "Right!" or "Left!" as the muzzle is to go. The Engineer at the starting-bar revolves the turret.
No. 1 to lock-string; when the object comes in view, Officer of piece gives order.
D. Van Nostrand Publisher. Julius Bien, pr.
VIII. "READY—FIRE!"
427. Gun Captain pulls lock-string. No. 3 lets go port-tackle. No. 5 closes port. Engineer revolves the turret so as to point the gun abeam. (This gets the scuttle clear for passing up ammunition.)
If necessary,
Nos. 11 and 12 ship crank, and, with 7 and 8, run the gun in; Nos. 9 and 10 easing compressor. No. 10 ships ratchet-lever to ease compressor, No. 9 easing it further by hand. The gun is now ready for loading, and the exercise proceeds as before.