three o'clock in the morning
`` Cut the line ! '' A large cone-shaped metal buoy , strengthened still further by a couple of stout spars to which it was securely lashed , was soon rigged up on deck , whence , being hoisted overboard , the whole apparatus was carefully lowered to the surface of the sea . By means of a ring in the small end of the buoy , the latter was then solidly attached to the part of the sounding line that still remained in the water , and all possible precautions were taken to diminish the danger of friction , caused by the contrary currents , tidal waves , and the ordinary heaving swells of ocean . It was now a little after three o'clock in the morning . The Chief Engineer announced everything to be in perfect readiness for starting . The Captain gave the signal , directing the pilot to steer straight for San Francisco , north-north by west . The waters under the stern began to boil and foam ; the ship very soon felt and yielded to the power that animated her ; and in a few minutes she was making at least twelve knots an hour .