Sixteen minutes to three
While he was looking at the book , the cathedral clock chimed the three-quarters past two , and the bell rang for divine service . `` It can never be that time of day ! '' exclaimed Mr. Galloway , in consternation , as he took out his watch . `` Sixteen minutes to three ! and I am a minute slow ! How has the time passed ? I ought to have been at -- '' Mr. Galloway brought his words to a standstill , apparently too absorbed in the railway guide to conclude them .