quarter to four
Dr. Brick had got the floor and was pleading _ post-mortem _ at once . In this climate and under such conditions decomposition would be so rapid , said he , that `` by tomorrow his own mother could n't recognize him . '' But the provost-marshal drawled that he did n't see that further mutilation would promote the possibility of recognition , and Brick was set aside . It was quarter to four when young Mellen was bidden to tell whether he knew , and what he knew of , the deceased , and all men hushed their very breath as the lad was conducted to the blanket-shrouded form under the overhanging gallery in the open _ patio _ . The hospital steward slowly turned down the coverlet , and Mellen , well-nigh as pallid as the corpse , was bidden to look . Look he did , long and earnestly . The little weights that some one had placed on the eyelids were lifted ; the soft hair had been neatly brushed ; the lips were gently closed ; the delicate , clear-cut features wore an expression of infinite peace and rest ; and Mellen slowly turned and , facing the official group at the neighboring table , nodded .