a quarter to twelve
`` Michael , '' he gasped , `` we have found Squeaks ; we know you are innocent . '' Michael was the calmest of all . `` Whatever is God 's will I 'll take without a grumble , '' he said , and sat smoking . At a quarter to twelve the Sheriff appeared . `` Why , Sheriff , you are not going to -- when you know the reprieve is on the way . You are not going to let a technicality lead you into murder ? '' `` I have no change in my instructions , '' said the Sheriff , `` and no proof that any change is on the way . ''