a quarter before five
What should you do ? '' There flashed into my memory what Winter 's guest had said about the Brighton Parcels Mail , and I said laughingly -- `` I fancy I should hold up the Brighton Mail . '' `` As likely a feat as any for him to attempt , '' replied Forrest , thoughtfully . I glanced up at the clock in the tower of St. Stephens ; the hands pointed to a quarter before five . `` Well , '' I said , `` we may as well run down to Brighton by daylight and get acquainted with the road , since I have only driven over it once before . We can dine at the Metropole comfortably , spend a couple of hours on the front after dinner , and have plenty of time to meet the mail on the road afterwards . '' `` A most excellent suggestion , '' agreed the inspector , and his eyes twinkled at the thought of the programme I had mapped out .