a quarter to twelve
remarked Mr. Graeme , and began . `` It was in the earldom of a certain recklessly wicked wretch , who not only robbed his poor neighbours , and even killed them when they opposed him , but went so far as to behave as wickedly on the Sabbath as on any other day of the week . Late one Saturday night , a company were seated in the castle , playing cards , and drinking ; and all the time Sunday was drawing nearer and nearer , and nobody heeding . At length one of them , seeing the hands of the clock at a quarter to twelve , made the remark that it was time to stop . He did not mention the sacred day , but all knew what he meant . The earl laughed , and said , if he was afraid of the kirk-session , he might go , and another would take his hand . But the man sat still , and said no more till the clock gave the warning .