Read "The Riddle of the Sands" by Erskine Childers online for free on Textopian. Full text with search, annotations, highlights, and AI-powered reading aids.
In the late afternoon of the second day our flotilla reached the Elbe at Brunsbüttel and ranged up in the inner basin, while a big liner, whimpering like a fretful baby, was tenderly nursed into the lock. During the delay Davies left me in charge, and bolted off with an oilcan and a milk-jug. An official in uniform was passing along the quay from vessel to vessel countersigning papers. I went up to meet him with our receipt for dues, which he signed carelessly. Then he paused and muttered "Dooltzhibella," scratching his head, "that was the name. English? " he asked.
"Yes."