twenty minutes to twelve
` P'hap 's so . Most likely they 'll ` ave to be done in a bloody ` urry at the last minute . ' Presently Harlow -- who was very anxious to know what time it was -- went downstairs to ask Slyme . It was twenty minutes to twelve . From the window of the room where Slyme was papering , one could see into the front garden . Harlow paused a moment to watch Bundy and the labourers , who were still working in the trenches at the drains , and as he looked out he saw Hunter approaching the house . Harlow drew back hastily and returned to his work , and as he went he passed the word to the other men , warning them of the approach of Misery .