eighteen minutes to nine
The five friends looked at each other . One could almost hear their hearts beating , for it must be confessed that even for such seasoned players the stakes were pretty high , but they did not wish their anxiety to be remarked , and on Fallentin 's suggestion they sat down to whist . `` I would not give up my four thousand pounds , '' said Stuart as he sat down , `` if anyone were to offer me three thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine . '' The clock pointed to eighteen minutes to nine . The players took up their cards , but kept looking at the clock . No matter how safe they felt , the minutes had never appeared so long . `` 8.43 , '' said Flanagan , as he cut the pack Ralph passed to him .