quarter after four
`` But very nearly certain . Is that so ? '' `` Yes , sir , I 'm very nearly certain . You see , sir , when the two gentlemen went through the yard , the cathedral clock was chiming the quarter after four ; I remember that . And when Mr. Dunbar came back , I was just going away to my tea , and I seldom go to my tea until it 's gone five . '' `` But supposing it to have struck five when Mr. Dunbar returned , that would only make it three quarters of an hour after the time at which he went through the yard , supposing him to have gone through , as you say , at the quarter past four . '' The verger scratched his head again .