lin in 1906. Every radio station ashore or
afloat is obliged to give it first place and do everything possible to
further its demands. When a distress call is heard all ships and
stations everywhere that hear it are in honor bound to stop whatever
they may be doing and listen; nor must they try to talk with the ship
herself unless she asks them to. Instead, after she has sent out her
call for attention, which is equivalent to our _Hello_ of the
telephone, she gives her name; the name of the station or ship she
wishes to talk with; states what the matter is; and defines as nearly
as she is able her position. This done she sends out a general call
and if the station or ship she has asked aid from has not caught the
signal and fails to answer her, any operator within hearing may do so.
The instant he begins to talk with her, however, all the others
listening in must remain silent. At last, when the message is
delivered or the necessary conversation at an end, then the ship's
radio man sends out a broadcast to let everybody know that he has
finished so that all stations may resume their regular routine."

"Some system!" breathed Dick.

"I guess you would think there was some system if you were to see a
book of radio rules," returned Bob. "I'll show you mine some day. All
the various shore stations have their many regulations, as I have told
you before; shipboard stations have theirs; and even the amateurs are
protected so that every class may get fair play and not bother his
neighbor. Wireless stations, you see, are not mere toys. They have
work to do and must be able to do it unhampered."

"I'd like a glimpse of that manual," suggested Dick.

"I'll bring it round to-morrow," Bob answered, glancing at his watch
and rising.

The others rose too.

"I suppose it would be no use to listen in for O'Connel again,"
remarked Mr. Crowninshield.

"I will if you like," Bob responded. "I doubt, though, if it would do
any good."

"No, I guess it wouldn't. We shall just have to wait," sighed the
man.

CHAPTER XVIII

THE NET TIGHTENS

When on the morrow no call of any kind came from O'Connel Mr.
Crowninshield was, as his son expressed it, "fit to be tied."

"I can't see why we do not hear something to-day," fumed he. "He can't
expect us to _wait developments_ forever. Are you sure you did not
miss the signal, Bob."

"I don't see how I could have missed it," replied the operator
patiently.

"But he always does