twenty minutes to three
Gallegher 's hand was still in that pocket , in which Mr. Dwyer had shoved his note-book filled with what he had written of Gallegher 's work and Hade 's final capture , and with a running descriptive account of the fight . With his eyes fixed on Mr. Dwyer , Gallegher drew it out , and with a quick movement shoved it inside his waistcoat . Mr. Dwyer gave a nod of comprehension . Then glancing at his two guardsmen , and finding that they were still interested in the wordy battle of the correspondents with their chief , and had seen nothing , he stooped and whispered to Gallegher : `` The forms are locked at twenty minutes to three . If you do n't get there by that time it will be of no use , but if you 're on time you 'll beat the town -- and the country too . '' Gallegher 's eyes flashed significantly , and nodding his head to show he understood , started boldly on a run toward the door . But the officers who guarded it brought him to an abrupt halt , and , much to Mr. Dwyer 's astonishment , drew from him what was apparently a torrent of tears .