a quarter to
six
`` Well , are the gentlemen to be here at five ? '' he asked . Bontet , with an air of relief , began an explanation . One of the gentlemen -- M. de Vieuville , he believed -- had read out the note in his presence , and had desired him to tell the duke that he and the other gentleman would meet the duke and his friend on the sands at a quarter to six . They would be where the road ceased and the sand began at that hour . `` He seems to think , '' Bontet explained , `` that less attention would thus be directed to the affair . '' The precaution seemed wise enough ; but why had M. de Vieuville taken Bontet so much into his confidence ?