Its direction towards the zenith being incontestable, I don't see why we should not reach the Moon when she comes to the zenith." "Perhaps we're behind time," suggested Ardan.
"What have you to say to that, Barbican ?" asked the Captain.

"You know the Cambridge men said the journey had to be done in 97 hours 13 minutes and 20 seconds.

That's as much as to say that if we're not up to time we shall miss the Moon." "Correct," said Barbican.

"But we _can't_ be behind time.

We started, you know, on December 1st, at 13 minutes and 20 seconds before 11 o'clock, and we were to arrive four days later at midnight precisely.
To-day is December 5th Gentlemen, please examine your watches.