about three o'clock
All the effect was felt outside . The burning mixture had already been rammed into each gun . They had , then , nothing to do but raise the metallic buffers fixed in the base , and replace them by the guns , which fitted closely in their places . This new work was finished about three o'clock , and after taking all these precautions there remained but to wait . But the projectile was perceptibly nearing the moon , and evidently succumbed to her influence to a certain degree ; though its own velocity also drew it in an oblique direction . From these conflicting influences resulted a line which might become a tangent . But it was certain that the projectile would not fall directly on the moon ; for its lower part , by reason of its weight , ought to be turned toward her .