Twenty minutes to twelve
Eventually the latter course has been determined on . Deeply do I wish that both gentlemen could win ; but that being impossible , I own that my personal aspirations -LRB- I speak as an individual , and do not compromise either you or your readers by this expression of feeling -RRB- are with Professor Woodensconce . I have backed that gentleman to the amount of eighteenpence . ' ` _ Twenty minutes to twelve _ . ` Professor Grime has inadvertently tossed his half-crown out of one of the cabin-windows , and it has been arranged that the steward shall toss for him . Bets are offered on any side to any amount , but there are no takers . ` Professor Woodensconce has just called `` woman ; '' but the coin having lodged in a beam , is a long time coming down again .