a quarter past ten
So desperate was he , that he even resorted to crude methods like the throwing of paper balls and the dropping of books . And when your really scientific ragger sinks to this , he is nearing the end of his tether . O'Hara hated to be rude , but there seemed no help for it . The striking of a quarter past ten improved his chances . It had been privily agreed upon beforehand amongst the members of the class that at a quarter past ten every one was to sneeze simultaneously . The noise startled Mr Banks considerably . The angelic mood began to wear off .