"That's something to be thankful for," soliloquized the sub. "To lose one's belongings and one's ship at one time is a bit too thick."
A sudden shout of exclamations from the crowd caused him to turn and look towards the slide of the Mole. Like a huge porpoise the twin conning-towers and flat deck of the "Aphrodite" appeared upon the surface, the water pouring in cascades from her smooth substance. As easily as a ship's pinnace she ran alongside the steps, her after-hatch was thrown open and Captain Restronguet appeared.
"Come on, Mr. Hythe!" he exclaimed.
The sub waited for no second bidding. With a bound he gained the Upper Platform, and turned and saluted the astonished Admiral. Having seen his belongings passed on board he followed his host below.
Fifty seconds later the dense crowd of spectators were gazing dumfounded at the unbroken wavelets. For the first time had human eyes, other than those of her crew, seen the redoubtable "Aphrodite" at close quarters above the surface of her natural element.
* * * * *
"Yes, I was certainly surprised when Kenwyn returned with the news that you were not at the rendezvous, Mr. Hythe," said Captain Restronguet. "Then the thought suddenly struck me."
"What thought, sir?"
"Might I ask what time you went by?"
"The local time; my watch had stopped. By Jove! I see what happened. Gib. time is 21 minutes 28 seconds slower than Greenwich."