Devoe seemed to be laying down the law forcibly to Gale; he was gesticulating with his hands and nodding his head like a Chinese mandarin.

Sydney could not hear what he was saying, nor could he see Gale's face; but in the attitude of the captain there was exasperation, and in that of Gale sullen impatience.
Another group at signal practise drew nigh, and Sydney gave his attention to it.

Reardon, the second eleven quarter, sang his signals in a queer, shrill voice that was irresistibly funny.

In front of Sydney he raised himself, wiped his palms on his stained trousers, grimaced at one of the halves, and took a deep breath.

Then-- "_Signal_!" he cried.