half
past twelve
The ice thickened slowly on the ponds ; then came another hard frost ; and the Twins made up their minds that it must surely bear . They ate their breakfast in a great excitement ; and as the Terror gathered together his books for his morning 's work they made their plans . He had strapped his books together ; and as he caught up one of the two pairs of brightly polished skates that lay on the table , he said : `` Then that 's settled . I 'll meet you at Pringle 's pond as soon after half past twelve as I can get there ; but you 'd better not go on it before I come . '' `` Oh , it 'll bear all right ; it nearly bore yesterday , '' said Erebus impatiently . `` Well , Wiggins is n't to go on it before I come . You 'll do as you like of course -- as usual -- and if you fall in , it 'll be your own lookout .