five minutes to 11
Now and then , though , his hand touched the pair of brass knuckles which he had transferred from his sock to his right-hand pocket . As the game progressed Captain Koenig became manifestly pleased , for he felt that he was winning . Lord Hastings glanced at the clock . It lacked five minutes to 11 . He looked at Tom significantly , and the negro shifted his position closer to Captain Koenig . Suddenly six bells struck . As the last stroke sounded , Lord Hastings , apparently accidentally , brushed one of the chessmen from the board .