twenty minutes to
nine
`` Take care , '' he said to the Baron , who was nearest to him and drew back to give him room to swing his hammer . He struck three heavy blows , and the door flew open at the third . The detective had looked at his watch , for it was his business to note the hour at which any forcible entrance was made . It was twenty minutes to nine . Malipieri and Sabina had slept a little more than five hours and a half . Malipieri , still sleeping heavily in his armchair , heard the noise in a dream . He fancied he was in the vaults again , driving his crowbar into the bricks , and that he suddenly heard Masin working from the other side .