ndspikemen opposite to
them, to give the time to the other Nos. for hauling on the fall.

No. 6 (or 2d Captain) Elevates or Depresses as directed.

_Action._

2d Captain unships the Roller Handspike if it has been used in
training. Nos. 9, 10 withdraw handspikes, and step back clear of
recoil.

Nos. 3, 4 overhaul Side-tackles to mark, unless the motion does not
admit of it.

No. 12 overhauls or holds up Train-tackle.

Nos. 7, 8 remove quoins from Trucks.

Men to their stations.

IX. "READY--FIRE!"

(Diagram No. 5.)

225. The Gun Captain, standing as already placed, waits patiently, but
sharply, for the coincidence of the sights upon the object, which, if
a ship, is always the water-line. When a correction of elevation or of
direction is required, he repeats such of the previous orders as may
be necessary; and these are to be re-executed accordingly.

If the gun is to leeward, the men stand ready to take hold of the
Train-tackle and jerk the cannon into a taut breeching.

When sure of his aim the Gun Captain, who has held the lock-lanyard
just taut, draws it promptly and firmly, bearing in mind that in no
case is he to attempt moving from his post.

The 2d Captain stands ready with a primer, and, in the case of
failure, throws back the hammer and inserts another. If necessary,
serves the Vent. If a second failure occurs, it is a certain
indication that the charge is not home.

_Action._

Instantly with the explosion, 11, 12 jerk away the parts of the
train-tackle, or hook it if it has been unhooked.

Nos. 3, 4 place quoins in front of trucks. 9, 10 lay down handspikes.

When the gun is not in to a taut breeching, the 2d Captain ships the
Roller Handspike.

Nos. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, take hold quickly of
Train-tackle, and run in to a taut breeching.

When in, 3, 4 move up the Truck-quoins, 12 chokes luff of
Train-tackle.

Gun Captain puts back the hammer and coils up lanyard.

No. 6 takes up Sponge, and the exercise proceeds as already directed.

If necessary, No. 2 levels the gun for loading, and lays it fair for
running out.

226. If the exercise is to be continued, it is resumed at the fourth
command:

"SERVE VENT AND SPONGE!"

"CEASE FIRING!"

227. Whenever this order is given, either by the roll of the drum, or
by passing the word, if the gun is primed, the Gun Captain immediately
removes the primer, and with the crew stands at "Attention."

[Illustration: