ten
minutes to nine
Earlier than the appointed time , Ferrol turned the key and stepped inside the big despoiled hallway of the old farmhouse . His footsteps sounded hollow in the empty rooms . Already dust had gathered , and an air of desertion and decay filled the place in spite of the solid timbers and sound floors and window-sills . He took out his watch ; it was ten minutes to nine . Passing through the little hallway to the store-room , he opened the door . It was dark inside . Striking a match , he saw a candle on the window-sill , and , going to it , he lighted it with a flint and steel lying near .