Page:The Wireless Operator with the U.S. Coast Guard.djvu/280

 going to try your plan,” he said. “The Navy will call the Orient, and, if an answer is received, will get a compass bearing and let us know where the ship is and when she will arrive at Ambrose Lightship. We can meet her and search her. You will likely hear the Navy Yard call the Orient if you keep your ears open.”

Henry informed his fellow-watchers in the radio shack as to what was afoot, and an element of interest was added to their watches. Also he asked Mr. Sharp if he might try for a compass bearing himself, in case the Orient was heard. “I’ve already used a radio compass,” said Henry. “They had one at Frankfort, but that was a long time ago, and that instrument would now be considered antiquated.” The chief radio man was pleased to have so eager a pupil, and instructed Henry in all the principles of the latest radio compass, such as the one on the Iroquois.

By good luck Henry himself was on duty and caught the very first call for the Orient. “WND—de—NAH,” signaled the operator at the Navy Yard.

But there was no reply. Again and again the watchers on the Iroquois heard the call of the Orient flung out by the operator in the Navy Yard. Finally the ruse succeeded. The Orient’s operator could stand it no longer. He answered the call. When he did, Henry flew to the com