a quarter to twelve
It is the quietest of seas ; its currents are broad and slow , it has medium tides , and abundant rain . Such was the ocean that my fate destined me first to travel over under these strange conditions . `` Sir , '' said Captain Nemo , `` we will , if you please , take our bearings and fix the starting-point of this voyage . It is a quarter to twelve ; I will go up again to the surface . '' The Captain pressed an electric clock three times . The pumps began to drive the water from the tanks ; the needle of the manometer marked by a different pressure the ascent of the Nautilus , then it stopped . `` We have arrived , '' said the Captain .