a quarter to three
But when Uncle Prudent sounded his repeater -- which was a masterpiece from his colleague 's factory -- the tiny gong only gave a quarter to three , and the watch had not stopped . `` That is strange ! '' said Phil Evans . `` At a quarter to three it ought still to be night . '' `` Perhaps my watch has got slow , '' answered Uncle Prudent . `` A watch of the Wheelton Watch Company ! '' exclaimed Phil Evans .