twenty-five minutes to twelve
A certified cheque is as good as gold . The moment you get your message I will hand you the certified cheque . ' John wrote out the order and gave it to the cashier , glancing at the clock as he did so . It was now twenty-five minutes to twelve . He rushed to the telegraph-office with all the speed of which he was capable , but met only a blank look again from the chief operator . ` It has not come yet , ' he said , shaking his head . Gradually despair began to descend on the waiting man .