A quarter to twelve
The creature passed here after the sleet and before the fog -- that is , about three or four this morning . '' I was astonished at Sperver 's exactitude . He rose from his knee , clapping his hands together to get rid of the snow , and looking at me thoughtfully , as if speaking to himself , said -- `` It is twelve , is it not , Fritz ? '' `` A quarter to twelve . '' `` Very well ; then the old woman has got seven hours ' start of us . We must follow upon her trail step by step ; on horseback we can do it in half the time , and , if she is still going , about seven or eight to-night we have got her , Fritz . Now then , we 're off . ''