three o'clock
They both made some desperate efforts to accomplish the feat , but the thing was impossible . `` I see no help for it , '' said the missionary , `` but to ascend all three again . '' `` That is awkward , '' said the captain . `` Gentlemen , '' said Willis , `` three o'clock is striking on the prison clock ; the warder will be round in two minutes . '' `` God sometimes permits good actions to go _ unrewarded _ , '' said the missionary ; `` but he never _ punishes _ them . '' `` Let us re-ascend , then , '' said the captain . `` So be it , '' said Willis , going upwards .