half after ten
He had also given powders to make poor Miss Persnips sleep quietly . She was sick with a nervous fever . Will now closed the store , turned the key in the lock , and went up the street , whistling `` The Star-Spangled Banner . '' It was half after ten . One by one the house-lamps had been extinguished , and it was `` dark as a pocket '' in the lane . Still whistling , Will neared Aunt Stanshy 's . He ceased his tune suddenly for he caught an outcry .