a quarter after twelve
Straight for a huge snow bank , the two sleds headed , struck the curbing , and capsized with their owners underneath . John rose shakily with an uncertain smile on his lips . His chum dug some snow from his ears and ran forward to unhitch the sleds . The grocer 's clock showed a quarter after twelve , so they started for the home street . As they parted , John held up a detaining hand . `` That quarter , '' he explained . `` Come on back to the drug store and get it changed .