two before
one o'clock
But though at least a hundred telescopes scanned the calm ocean breast for many miles in all directions , it was nowhere to be seen . Precisely at noon , aided by his officers and in the presence of Marston , Belfast , and the Gun Club Committee , the Captain took his observations . After a moment or two of the most profound interest , it was a great gratification to all to learn that the _ Susquehanna _ was on the right parallel , and only about 15 miles west of the precise spot where the Projectile had disappeared beneath the waves . The steamer started at once in the direction indicated , and a minute or two before one o'clock the Captain said they were `` there . '' No sign of the buoy could yet be seen in any direction ; it had probably been drifted southward by the Mexican coast current which slowly glides along these shores from December to April . `` At last ! '' cried Marston , with a sigh of great relief .