a
quarter to twelve
If the engine had worked at all , it would work at full speed , so that the loss of time on the journey implied either contrary winds , a mistaken course , or a serious mishap . Kate was so little in the mood for talking that Barracombe in responsive silence could toss the various probabilities about in his mind until he felt a nervous excitability that annoyed him . They walked up and down the silent road . The church clock struck a quarter to twelve . The minutes dragged until it was again heard . A little after twelve they stopped short at the same moment ; Kate grasped Barracombe 's arm . `` Listen ! ''