a quarter
past two o'clock
`` Good . I 'll take it at once and be off . '' The grounds of the Donard tennis club are pleasantly situated about a mile outside the town on the Ballymoy road . Meldon reached them well before the time he had arranged , passing through the gate at a quarter past two o'clock . The annual tennis tournament was in full swing . All three courts were occupied by players , and an eager crowd of spectators stood round watching the progress of the matches . Simpkins was perched on top of a step ladder , acting as umpire for two ladies .