The gun-crews were summoned to quarters, and the firing begun with a six-pounder on the forecastle, followed by two three-pounders on the same deck.
The big four-inch gun was then loaded, the officers putting cotton in their ears to avoid injury. The first shot, weighing between thirty and forty pounds, was dropped a little to the right of the target; the second fell just beyond it and to the left.
"Fire on the top of the roll," cautioned the captain of the gun-crew, which comprised four of the best gunners on the ship.
The third shot fell short, and was duly so recorded, in a memorandum to be included in a report to the Department.
As the disappointed gunner stepped back he saw Oto, who, being a sort of privileged character, was lingering close by, shake his head slightly.
"Perhaps you think you could do better, Jap!" said the man sharply.
Oto nodded, but remained modestly silent.
"What, did you ever fire a heavy piece of ordnance?" asked Liddon, standing near to watch the practice.
Oto nodded again. "I could hit that target," he added simply, touching his cap and turning away.