Ten o'clock
That which Pencroft called ribs was the part of his vessel under water , and he valued it more than his own skin . `` What o'clock is it ? '' asked Pencroft . `` Ten o'clock , '' replied Gideon Spilett . `` And what distance is it to the Cape , captain ? '' `` About fifteen miles , '' replied the engineer . `` That 's a matter of two hours and a half , '' said the sailor , `` and we shall be off the Cape between twelve and one o'clock .