a quarter before six
`` It would not be right for an Englishman to permit himself to be treated in that way , without retaliating . '' The detective smiled , but did not reply . It was clear that Mr. Fogg was one of those Englishmen who , while they do not tolerate duelling at home , fight abroad when their honour is attacked . At a quarter before six the travellers reached the station , and found the train ready to depart . As he was about to enter it , Mr. Fogg called a porter , and said to him : `` My friend , was there not some trouble to-day in San Francisco ? '' `` It was a political meeting , sir , '' replied the porter . `` But I thought there was a great deal of disturbance in the streets . ''