about five minutes to three
My boots were in a dreadful state , the sole of the left one also was now peeling off , and I could not help perceiving that all my plans might be wrecked if at this crisis I went on shoe leather in which I could only shuffle . So long as I went softly they would serve , but not for hard walking . I went to the shoemaker in Hacker Street , but he would not promise any repairs for me under forty-eight hours . I got back home about five minutes to three , resolved to start by the five train for Birmingham in any case , but still dissatisfied about my money . I thought of pawning a book or something of that sort , but I could think of nothing of obvious value in the house . My mother 's silver -- two gravy-spoons and a salt-cellar -- had been pawned for some weeks , since , in fact , the June quarter day . But my mind was full of hypothetical opportunities .