Five minutes to one
A few guests , who had come from a distance , had just finished their dinner in the farm-house . Owing to causes which will hereafter be explained , they exhibited less than the usual plethoric satisfaction after the hospitality of the country , and were the first to welcome the appearance of a square black bottle , which went the rounds , with the observation : `` Whet up for a start ! '' Mr. Barton drew a heavy silver watch from his fob , and carefully holding it so that the handful of glittering seals could be seen by everybody , appeared to meditate . `` Five minutes to one , '' he said at last . `` No use in waiting much longer ; ' t is n't good to keep the hounds fretting . Any signs of anybody else ? '' The others , in response , turned towards the lane and highway .