Turning the opposite way, I went along the edge of the wharf, picking my way among timber balks, stacks of iron sheeting, chains, ropes, and all the other things that are found scattered about a naval dockyard.
At the head of the great basin I found a lock giving access to a small inner dock, in which a number of vessels were moored.
I made my way around, searching everywhere for the vessels I had been told I should find.
At last, in the farthest and most secluded corner, I perceived a row of small craft, shaped much like a shark, with a long narrow tube or funnel rising up from the center of each.
They lay low in the water, without being submerged. Alone among the shipping they carried no riding-lights. They appeared dark, silent, and deserted.
Almost unconsciously I ran my eye along them, counting them as they lay. Suddenly I was aroused to keen attention.
One—two—three—four—five. The Kaiser had assured me that I should find six submarines to choose from!
I counted once more with straining eyes.
One—two—three—four—five.