Five minutes to one
Already the projectile 's conical top was sensibly turned toward the lunar disc , presented in such a way as to utilize the whole of the recoil produced by the pressure of the rocket apparatus . The chances were in favor of the travelers . If its speed was utterly annulled on this dead point , a decided movement toward the moon would suffice , however slight , to determine its fall . `` Five minutes to one , '' said Nicholl . `` All is ready , '' replied Michel Ardan , directing a lighted match to the flame of the gas . `` Wait ! '' said Barbicane , holding his chronometer in his hand .