a quarter to four
Tom held his breath . But the policeman , although he undoubtedly followed the youth with his gaze for a moment , failed to act , and Tom was not a little relieved . Even if the fellow was a crook he seemed an awfully decent sort and Tom was glad he had n't been arrested . It was getting perilously near a quarter to four now and still Steve had not returned . Tom watched the long hand crawl toward the figure IX , saw it reach it and pass . He would , he decided then , give Steve another five minutes . His gaze fell on `` Four-Fingered Phillips '' and he viewed that gentleman perplexedly .