five minutes to twelve
` Yes , ' he added , ` that is right . Here is your certified cheque . ' John clasped it , and bolted out of the bank as a burglar might have done . It was five minutes to twelve when he got to the steps that led to the rooms of Mr. Von Brent . Now all his excitement seemed to have deserted him . He was as cool and calm as if he had five days , instead of so many minutes , in which to make the payment . He mounted the steps quietly , walked along the passage , and knocked at the door of Von Brent 's room .