One of his liveliest adventures, however, occurred when attempting to
submerge suddenly during a heavy sea on the appearance of a destroyer.
The destroyer apparently never observed the Deutschland, but in the
endeavor to dive quickly the submarine practically stood on its head,
and dived down into the mud, where it found itself held fast. Captain
Koenig however was equal to the emergency, and by balancing and trimming
the tanks he finally restored the center of gravity and released his
boat.
A considerable portion of his trip was passed upon the surface as he
only submerged when there was suspicion of danger. According to his
story his men kept always in the highest spirits. They had plenty of
music, and doubtless appreciated the extraordinary nature of their
voyage.
An amusing incident during the trip was the attempt to camouflage his
ship by a frame work, made of canvas and so constructed as to give the
outline of a steamer. One day a hostile steamer appeared in the distance
and Captain Koenig proceeded to test his disguise.
After great difficulties, especially in connection with the production
of smoke, he finally had the whole construction fairly at work. The
steamer, which had been peacefully going its way, on seeing the new ship
suddenly changed her course and steered directly toward the Deutschland.
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