five minutes to five
`` I do n't see why not , '' he said , `` so long as you complete your assignments regularly . '' * * * * * Nearly two hours later , feeling somewhat light-headed but otherwise in perfectly magnificent fettle , Forrester found himself on the downtown subway . He 'd showered and changed and he was whistling a gay little tune as he checked his watch . The time was five minutes to five . He had just over an hour before he was due to appear at the Tower of Zeus All-Father , but it was better to be a few minutes early than even a single second late . The train ride was a little bumpy , but Forrester did n't really mind . He was pretty well past being irritated by anything .