a quarter to ten
coolly answered Hurst . `` What should you say to a dead cat ? Hudson , have the goodness to mind _ your _ business , unless you would like to get reported for interfering with what does not concern you . '' `` There 's a quarter to ten ! '' exclaimed Bywater , as the college clock chimed the three-quarters . `` We shall be marked late , every soul of us ! '' They flew away , their feet scarcely touching the ground , clattered up the schoolroom stairs , and took their places .