Final answer:
Peyton Farquhar's reflections are disrupted by the sharp, metallic ticking of his watch, which becomes an all-consuming sound amidst his last moments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early in the story, Peyton Farquhar's thoughts about his wife and children are interrupted by the sound of his own watch. The metallic ticking is described as a sharp, distinct percussion, like a blacksmith's hammer upon the anvil. This noise becomes an obsessive focus, generating a sense of apprehension and overriding his thoughts of his family. The ticking, regular yet tormenting in its pacing, captures his attention with increasing urgency as Farquhar struggles to concentrate on his loved ones during what are his final moments.