a quarter to four o’clock
A head of one hundred and eighty degrees is sufficient to diminish the weight of the air it contains to the extent of one-half , by rarefying it . Thus , the Victoria quickly began to assume a more rounded form . There was no lack of grass ; the fire was kept in full blast by the doctor 's assiduous efforts , and the balloon grew fuller every instant . It was then a quarter to four o'clock . At this moment the band of Talabas reappeared about two miles to the northward , and the three friends could hear their cries , and the clatter of their horses galloping at full speed . `` In twenty minutes they will be here ! '' said Kennedy .