About four in the afternoon
The Captain and his second had remained on the platform . The screw was set in motion , and the Nautilus , moving with speed , was soon beyond the reach of the ship 's guns . But the pursuit continued , and Captain Nemo contented himself with keeping his distance . About four in the afternoon , being no longer able to contain my impatience , I went to the central staircase . The panel was open , and I ventured on to the platform . The Captain was still walking up and down with an agitated step . He was looking at the ship , which was five or six miles to leeward .