a quarter to six
`` It would never do for an Englishman to allow himself to be treated as he treated us . '' The detective smiled , but made no reply . It was evident , however , that Mr. Fogg was of that race of Britons who , though they do not permit duelling at home , fight in foreign countries when their honour is in any way attacked . At a quarter to six the travellers reached the railway-station , and found the train ready . Mr. Fogg called a porter and asked him the reason of the excitement that afternoon . `` It was a meeting , sir , '' replied the porter . `` I thought there was some great commotion in the streets . ''