half past two
Well , I 'll go out and look round for Asa Chick and his han ` cart , and we 'll make for the wharf as quick as we can . You may step this way . '' Betty `` stepped '' gladly , and Asa Chick and the handcart soon led the way riverward through the pleasant old-fashioned streets of Riverport . Her new friend pointed out one or two landmarks as they hurried along , for , strange to say , although a sea-captain , he was not sure whether the tide turned at half past two or at half past three . When they came to the river-side , however , the packet-boat was still made fast to the pier , and nothing showed signs of her immediate departure . `` It is always a good thing to be in time , '' said the captain , who found himself much too warm and nearly out of breath . `` Now , we 've got a good hour to wait .