seven o'clock
He came down the yard slowly , and presently paused and looked at Gabord and the young officer , his head laid a little to one side in a quizzical fashion , his eyelids drooping . `` What time was monsieur to be shot ? '' he asked of Captain Lancy . `` At seven o'clock , monsieur , '' was the reply . Doltaire took out his watch . `` It wants three minutes of seven , '' said he . `` What the devil means this business before the stroke o ' the hour ? ''