a quarter to ten
We 've got to get to the dam before ten o'clock , or they 'll blow it up . Put your hat on . Have you a car here ? '' In the hall the clock chimed a quarter to ten . The tone of its bell seemed to act as a spur to them both . `` There 's a young gentleman here , '' said Hutchins , suddenly turning . `` I 'll run and get him right away . ''