one in the morning
We can not say what blundering systems were broached , what inconsistent theories advanced by these bold spirits . Since Barbicane 's attempt , nothing seemed impossible to the Americans . They had already designed an expedition , not only of savants , but of a whole colony toward the Selenite borders , and a complete army , consisting of infantry , artillery , and cavalry , to conquer the lunar world . At one in the morning , the hauling in of the sounding-line was not yet completed ; 1,670 fathoms were still out , which would entail some hours ' work . According to the commander 's orders , the fires had been lighted , and steam was being got up . The Susquehanna could have started that very instant . At that moment -LRB- it was seventeen minutes past one in the morning -RRB- Lieutenant Bronsfield was preparing to leave the watch and return to his cabin , when his attention was attracted by a distant hissing noise .