about
twenty minutes to twelve
` Oh , yes , I shall , ' said the other man . ` I bet you a fiver you wo n't , ' says Carville . ` Done , ' said the other . It was about twenty minutes to twelve then , and in the buzz of conversation and a couple of games of cards Carville forgot his bet for a moment . Suddenly he saw that the fellow was gone . He rushed to the door and found it locked . Of course we all saw the game , and believed that Carville would laugh and admit himself out-manoeuvred .