a few
minutes after eleven o'clock
As soon as the pain subsided , Miss Arsdale administered two spoonfuls of a darkish brown medicine which seemed to have instantly a quieting effect . It was the sight of the bottle that again recalled to Donaldson the fact of his own peculiar position in life . Even at the risk of appearing rude , he was forced to look at his watch . It was a few minutes after eleven o'clock . Well , what of it ? Had not these hours been full -- had he not had more of real living than during the entire last decade ? He had faced death twice , he had met a woman , and he now stood at the threshold of a mystery that seemed to demand him .