nearly a quarter past three o'clock
He almost stamped with the vehemence of his emotions . `` There 's certainly yet a resource ; nay , but that also is too late -- _ a riot _ -- a nod , a breath of mine -- those fine fellows there -- would _ down _ with hustings , and all the poll-books be destroyed ! -- No , no ; it is not to be thought of -- the time 's gone by . '' It was now nearly a quarter past three o'clock . `` It 's passing strange ! '' thought Gammon , as he looked at his watch ; `` what can be in the wind ? Not a single man of them been up for either party !