about a
quarter to six
`` I know it , '' Malipieri answered . `` I was going to inform you of that this morning , '' he continued , speaking to the Baron . `` I do not think that the police are necessary to our conversation , '' he added , smiling at the detective . `` I beg your pardon , sir , '' answered the latter , `` but we are here to ask if you know anything of a grave accident to a certain Signor Sassi , who was taken from this palace unconscious , yesterday afternoon , at about a quarter to six , by a very large man , who would not give any name , nor any explanation , and who was consequently arrested . '' Malipieri did not hesitate . `` Only this much , '' he replied . `` With the authority of the Senator here , who is the owner of the palace , I have been making some archaeological excavations in the cellars .