a quarter to ten
inquired the father . `` Nine hundred and fifty , '' answered the son . The judge , with a last look , stooped over the book . The hands of the clock pointed to a quarter to ten . `` Father , I have my whole future in which to thank you , '' cried Frederick , seizing the check his father held out to him and making rapidly for the door . `` I will be back before midnight . '' And he flung himself down-stairs just as the front door opened and Wattles stepped in .