ten minutes to twelve
`` Sandwiches . You 'll be glad of them by and by . '' I took the packet unwillingly , for I was not hungry then , and I thought it a nuisance ; for I had no idea then that I was providing myself with that which would save my life in the peril that was to come . It was ten minutes to twelve when I went down to the yard , where all the dogs were standing on their hind legs and straining at their chains , eager to be patted and talked to , and strongly excited at the sight of the horse being put to in the strong , springless cart . They howled and yelped and barked , begging in their way for a run , but they were nearly all doomed to disappointment . `` Just going to start without you , '' cried Ike in his surly way . `` No , you were not , '' I said .