five
minutes to six
`` Do n't lose a moment then , '' cried Jack , forcing himself into the aperture , while the Amazon , assisted by Bess , pulled him through it . `` There ! '' cried Mrs. Maggot , as she placed him without noise upon the ground ; `` you 're safe so far . '' `` Come , my disconsolate darlings , '' cried Austin , `` it only wants five minutes to six . I expect Mr. Wild here presently . Cut it as short as you can . '' `` Only two minutes more , Sir , '' intreated Edgeworth Bess , advancing towards him in such a manner as to screen Jack , who crept into the farthest part of the angle , -- `` only two minutes , and we 've done . ''