ten minutes to twelve
`` The hour has come ! '' I knew that drastic measures must be taken with The Seraph , so I just grasped him under the armpits and stood him on his feet without a word . He wobbled for a space , digging his knuckles in his eyes . The hands of the clock pointed to ten minutes to twelve . Angel and I hastily pulled on our trousers ; and he , who liked to dress the part , stuck a knife in his belt , and twisted a scarlet silk handkerchief -LRB- borrowed from Mary Ellen -RRB- round his head . His dark eyes glistened under its folds . The Seraph and I went unadorned , save that he girt his trusty sword about his stout middle and I carried a toy bayonet .