eight o'clock
The dog had just enough spirit left to try and dodge him , and with a leap to one side went off again across the lawn . It was , as Van Bibber knew , but three minutes to eight o'clock , and have the dog he must and would . The collie sprang first to one side and then to the other , and snarled and snapped ; but Van Bibber was keen with the excitement of the chase , so he plunged forward recklessly and tackled the dog around the body , and they both rolled over and over together . Then Van Bibber scrambled to his feet and dashed up the steps and into the drawing-room just as the people were in line for dinner , and while the minute-hand stood at a minute to eight o'clock . `` How is this ? '' shouted Van Bibber , holding up one hand and clasping the dog under his other arm . Miss Arnett flew at the collie and embraced it , wet as it was , and ruined her gown , and all the men glanced instinctively at the clock and said : `` You 've won , Van . ''