seven minutes to nine
He drew hisself up on the ould woman tremenjous , and studdied hisself agen the door , and ` No , ' says he ; ` I 'm drunk , ' says he , ` God knows it , ' says he , ` and for what man knows I do n't care a damn -- _ I 'll walk ! _ ' Then away he went down the street past the Bishop , with his hat a-one side , and his hair all through-others , tacking a bit with romps in the fetlock joints , but driving on like mad . '' -- The second bell rang on the steamer . It was seven minutes to nine , and the last of the luggage was packed . On the floor there still lay a pile of clothing , which was to be left as oil for the wounded joints of the gentlemen who had been flung down stairs . Willie Quarrie bustled about to get the trunks and hampers to the ferry steps . Davy , who had been in his shirt-sleeves , drew on his coat , and Lovibond , who had been waiting twenty torturing minutes for some opportunity to begin , plunged into the business of his visit at last .