J .................. 1122 X .................. 2122
K .................. 2121 Y .................. 111
L .................. 221 Z .................. 2222
M .................. 1221 End of word ........ 3
N .................. 11 End of sentence .... 33

The flag with which the numbers are made is attached to a staff just
long enough to handle easily. Before beginning the message the flag
staff is held perpendicularly in front of the operator. Dipping the
flag once to the left, at right angles to the body, indicates the
figure two. Dipping it once to the right indicates the figure one.
Dipping it forward once, away from the body means the figure three.
For instance, if the flag be dipped twice to the left, the operator
will have made the signal "twenty-two," meaning A.

"I will now spell the words 'Battleship Boy,';' he said, beginning a
slow movement of the wig-wag flag, making the following figures:

"2112, 22, 2, 2, 221, 12, 212, 122, 1, 1212, 3, 2112, 21, 111, 212."

"We will now begin practicing the code in groups of three letters,"
said the instructor.

For a full hour he put the young jackies through their paces. By the
time the bugle blew his class had learned nearly half the signal
alphabet.

"If you will practice these movements, using your hands in place of
flags, this evening, you will have fixed the numbers and the letters
that they represent so firmly in your minds that you will not be likely
to forget them. Do it at every opportunity before turning in to-night.
I shall expect each of you to be letter-perfect in the morning. Once
more, now, call the letters as I make them. I will give you only what
you have had this afternoon. Begin with the first man in line."

[Illustration: The Battleship Boys Swung Into the Chorus.]

The Battleship Boy made the figures, wigwagging slowly. Among the men
on the forward deck there were only three who were not quick to read
the signals. These Dan ordered to step forward. A few minutes proved,
to his own satisfaction, that their minds were too sluggish to enable
them to make very good signalmen.

"You three men need not report to-morrow," he said.

"That boy is bound to command, Coates," announced the captain with
emphasis. "Davis!"

"Aye, aye, sir," answered Dan, turning and saluting.

"You and your friend, Seaman Hickey, turn to and give an exhibition of
wig-wagging. It will be instructive, as well as entertaining,