a quarter to four
He was standing in the shadow , a look of intense pain in his eyes and on his brow , and I knew what he must be suffering at that moment . I walked up to him and grasped his hand in silent sympathy ; he returned the pressure , and for a moment I felt almost happy in sharing his sorrow . We stood watching in silence ; at regular intervals the church chimes told us that the hours were passing and the long night gradually drawing to its close . Half-past three , a quarter to four , four ; still the heavy rattling breath told us that the struggle between life and death had not yet ceased . At last the dying woman heaved a deep sigh , she opened her wide , staring eyes and raised her hand as if to summon some one . Kosinski stepped forward , but she waved him off and looked at me . `` I have not a friend in the world , '' she gasped ; `` you shall be my friend .