three minutes to three
There is no need for you to stay longer . '' I thought this was very extraordinary . Surely the Professor would not leave without saying good-bye ? However , I noticed that the clock said three minutes to three , so I thought that perhaps he had had to run to catch his train . He was such a strange little man , anyway ... . Well , I went back to the hotel , quite a little upset by this sudden parting . At least I was glad the little man had got his money all right .