three minutes to three
The sooner this day is over the better . '' `` Sleep , Jemmy -- I only want sleep . I must have a long , long sleep at Ballure to-night . '' He left the house at three minutes to three , carrying his cloak over his arm . It was a hot day at the beginning of June , and when he stepped out at the door the air of the street smote his face like a blast from an open furnace . He reeled and almost fell . The sun 's heat was like a load on his head , its dazzling rays made his sight dim , and he had a sound in his ears like running water .