five a.m.
`` It is well to be on the safe side , '' answered the Floridian . `` Gentlemen , '' replied Barbicane , `` I thank you for your attention , and now let us be off . '' The little troop set out immediately , and disappeared in a cloud of dust . It was five a.m. ; the sun shone brilliantly already , and the thermometer indicated 84 ° , but fresh sea breezes moderated this excessive heat . Barbicane , on leaving Tampa Town , went down south and followed the coast to Alifia Creek . This small river falls into Hillisboro Bay , twelve miles below Tampa Town . Barbicane and his escort followed its right bank going up towards the east .