I see 27 1/2" exposed below the cap-stop/retainer, 29 3/4" over all, so your math works out.
I presume the tapping sound stopped? Do you remember how long it lasted?
Seems odd the end would just be clipped off if the tube was installed to back stock orientation... Any sign of the end being chewed on, or did it break off clean?
Assuming the missing section is one piece, you could get your hands on an inspection camera and look around thru the drain hole...might try sliding a large magnet around on the bottom of the pan as best you can to see if you can coax it towards the hole. That one piece won't get picked up by the oil pump/screen, and could lay on the bottom of the pan for some time, I'd think. I'm sure you know the only way to be sure, tho.
When you say you put a reman engine in, does that mean you did the work yourself? The engine came with a warranty, so...
If it was because the tube was at a different angle, replacing just the stick just means it will happen again. Might consider finding a replacement tube and stick...