a
quarter to five
He was already dressed in an india-rubber suit , with leaden weights attached to his chest , back , and boots . Two others were standing by , ready to place the helmet over his head , when Leutnant Rix had finished giving him minute directions . The officer spoke rapidly and in a low tone . Ross could not catch all he said , but the words `` gefährliche Strömungen '' -LRB- dangerous currents -RRB- and `` Der Wendepunkt der Flut '' -LRB- slack water -RRB- and `` Drei Viertel funf '' -LRB- a quarter to five -RRB- occurred frequently . Vernon glanced at his watch . It was then a minute after four . Apparently Rix was impressing upon the man that he must clear the anchor at slack water , which occurred at a quarter to five .