eight o'clock
On an air line , the young aviators estimated the distance across country at about two hundred and seventy miles . After a consultation it was decided to proceed at the rate of about thirty-five miles an hour . This meant eight hours in the air . As there was no need of reaching the distant city before eight o'clock , it was agreed to start at midnight . At seven o'clock , all preparations having been made , Norman turned in for a few hours ' sleep . Colonel Howell devoted some time to his private arrangements and spent the remainder of the evening discussing the flight with the other occupants of the cabin . Norman being sound asleep at twelve o'clock , the others agreed not to arouse him for another hour , considering the work he had done that day .