two minutes to one
roared out the doctor , stamping with his foot . Pen looked up and saw who was his deliverer ; the major beckoned to him gravely with one of his white gloves , and tumbling down his books , Pen went across . The doctor took out his watch . It was two minutes to one . `` We will take the Juvenal at afternoon school , '' he said , nodding to the major , and all the boys , understanding the signal , gathered up their books and poured out of the hall . Young Pen saw by his uncle 's face that something had happened at home . `` Is there any thing the matter with -- my mother ? ''