It's drying, in the kitchen; I'll fetch it." He had been spending his penny savings in fanciful trifles of various kinds, to go as prizes in the games, and they were marshaled with fine and showy effect upon the table.

He said: "Examine them at your leisure while I get mother to touch up the kite with her iron if it isn't dry enough yet." Then he tripped out and went clattering down-stairs, whistling.
We did not look at the things; we couldn't take any interest in anything but the clock.

We sat staring at it in silence, listening to the ticking, and every time the minute-hand jumped we nodded recognition--one minute fewer to cover in the race for life or for death.

Finally Seppi drew a deep breath and said: "Two minutes to ten.

Seven minutes more and he will pass the death-point.