five minutes to twelve
FROME CA N'T WIN IF YOU MAKE THEM BOTH STICK . James stuck the note in his pocket and flung himself with artificial animation into the story he was telling . Once or twice the others suggested a return to the House , but he always had just one more good story they must hear . Since only routine business was under way there was no urgency , and when at length they returned to the House chamber the clock pointed to five minutes to twelve . Rawson and two or three of the staunchest Hardy men relieved Farnum of his charge in the cloak room and took care of the two doubtfuls . The seats of Bentley , Miller , Pitts and Killen were still vacant , and there was a tense watchfulness in the room that showed rumors were flying of a break in the deadlock . Already the state senators were drifting in for the noon joint sessions , and along with them came presently the missing assemblymen flanked by O'Brien and Frome adherents .