twelve o’clock
The distance , increased by detours and obstacles which could not be surmounted directly , was long . Sometimes , too , the ground suddenly fell , and they found themselves on the edge of a deep chasm which they had to go round . Thus , in retracing their steps so as to find some practicable path , much time was employed and fatigue undergone for nothing . At twelve o'clock , when the small band of adventurers halted for breakfast at the foot of a large group of firs , near a little stream which fell in cascades , they found themselves still half way from the first plateau , which most probably they would not reach till nightfall . From this point the view of the sea was much extended , but on the right the high promontory prevented their seeing whether there was land beyond it . On the left , the sight extended several miles to the north ; but , on the northwest , at the point occupied by the explorers , it was cut short by the ridge of a fantastically-shaped spur , which formed a powerful support of the central cone . At one o'clock the ascent was continued .