A quarter to ten o'clock
`` That is the theory , '' answered Ned . And then the plan in Ned 's mind was explained . The engine was to be started at quarter speed , which meant that the sound would be imperceptible ; and , lying on the floor of the cabin , Ned was to direct the movements of the ship , with Alan at the rudder wheel and Bob at the aeroplane guider . `` A quarter to ten o'clock , '' said Ned glancing at his watch as he shut off the concealed flashlight , `` and now start her up . '' As Alan started the engine and it began to turn the propeller they could tell by the light breeze that the car was moving again , but very slowly . The other boys could also hear Ned delicately paying out the long drag rope . At last it was all out .