a
few minutes before five o'clock
The flotilla will start at five o'clock this evening . You are dismissed , gentlemen . I thank you for your honourable attendance , and the assistance which you have rendered me . '' The weather had cleared somewhat during the afternoon , but when , at a few minutes before five o'clock , the _ Mikasa _ made the signal for the destroyer flotilla to weigh and proceed , the clouds had gathered afresh , and it was looking as wild as ever . It was exactly five o'clock when the _ Asashio _ , followed by the _ Kasanumi _ , led the way out to sea ; and as we began to move , the Admiral signalled us : `` Go in and sink the enemy 's fleet . I pray for your success . '' The Elliot group of islands , from which we started upon our great adventure , is situated some sixty miles north-east of Port Arthur , and within some seven or eight miles of the mainland .