a quarter to five
Ross could not catch all he said , but the words `` gefährliche Strömungen '' -LRB- dangerous currents -RRB- and `` Der Wendepunkt der Flut '' -LRB- slack water -RRB- and `` Drei Viertel funf '' -LRB- a quarter to five -RRB- occurred frequently . Vernon glanced at his watch . It was then a minute after four . Apparently Rix was impressing upon the man that he must clear the anchor at slack water , which occurred at a quarter to five . The two attendants then proceeded to place the diver 's helmet on his head . The lads noticed that it had neither air-tube nor telephone wire . Nor was there a life-line attached to his waist .