three
minutes to nine
Do you agree to that ? '' `` Of course , '' said the young man , cheerfully , `` they 're a nuisance , anyway -- always ticking and striking and getting you late for dinner . '' He glanced again at the clock in the tower . The hands stood at three minutes to nine . `` I think , '' said Prince Michael , `` that I will sleep a little . The day has been fatiguing . '' He stretched himself upon a bench with the manner of one who had slept thus before .