Quarter to one
`` You win , '' conceded Brennan . `` What time is it getting to be ? '' John looked at his watch . `` Quarter to one , '' he answered . `` What if they do n't show -- '' A shaft of light shot through the darkness from the door . It was the prearranged signal from Murphy to inform them that Gibson and Cummings were approaching . As if jerked by cords held in a single hand they straightened up from their lounging positions .