about eleven o'clock
Now , gentlemen , I have my own idea as to how the attack should be conducted ; but I have heard it said that in many councillors there is wisdom , therefore I should be glad to have your views on the subject . '' And , one after the other , the officers present gave them , the general opinion being that the destroyers ought to approach to within about five miles of the shore at a moderate speed , showing no lights ; then dash in at top speed , discharging torpedoes right and left , and continue to do so , regardless of consequences , until every Russian ship was destroyed . Finally , I was called for to give my opinion ; and again I found myself obliged to differ from the others . `` If I were leading the attack , sir , '' I said , `` I should time myself to arrive at about eleven o'clock , that being the time , I imagine , when the banquet and the special performance will both be at their height . At the distance of about five miles from the shore I should slow down , instead of increasing speed , because I should then have no fear of flames escaping from my funnels and so betraying my approach . I should then divide my force into two , one of which should sweep well away to the nor ` ard , while the other sheered off toward the south , my object being to get my boats well into the concealment of the shadow of the high land east and west of the roadstead . Under the cover of this shadow I should creep close along shore until I was well inside the enemy 's fleet , when I should wheel outward , get good way on my boats , and torpedo the enemy , ship after ship , as I came out .