a quarter to
nine
Jimmie Dale 's hand reached out for the door catch , edged the door ajar , the car swerved , took the corner -- and Jimmie Dale stepped out on the running board , hung there negligently for a moment as though chatting with Benson , and then with an airy `` good-night '' dropped nonchalantly to the ground , and the next instant had mingled with the throng of pedestrians on the sidewalk . A half minute later , a large gray automobile turned the corner and followed Benson -- and Jimmie Dale , stepping out into the street again , swung on a downtown car . The road to the Sanctuary was open ! In his impatience , now , the street car seemed to drag along every foot of the way ; but a glance at his watch , as he finally reached the Bowery , and , walking then , rapidly approached the cross street a few steps ahead that led to the Sanctuary , told him that it was still but a quarter to nine . But even at that he quickened his steps a little . He was free now ! There was a sort of savage , elemental uplift upon him .