five minutes past
three
`` It 's no use trying just now . All we can do is to get a remand . '' The train seemed to drag forward with cruel slowness , and the precious moments sped by with no less cruel haste . It was five minutes past three when they found themselves on the platform of Liverpool station . `` It 's touch and go if we 're in time , old boy , '' said Harker , as they took their seats in a hansom and ordered the man to drive hard for the police-court ; `` but you must n't give up hope even if we 're late . We 'll pull poor old Reg through somehow . '' His cheery words and the brotherly grip on his arm were like life and hope to Horace .