quarter to twelve
Disheartening though the pull was , he had gained perceptibly . But the southwest breeze had stiffened , adding its opposition to that of the tide . It was now past eleven . He had decided that he must reach the cabin not later than quarter to twelve . Barely half an hour longer ! His hands were blistered , his breath came in sobs , but he dragged fiercely at the oars . At last he was stemming the strong tide-rip off Brimstone Point .