half
past two
`` I am certain it is true , Ned . The man was dying , and there was no mistake about his earnestness . There is not a shadow of doubt . I sent Swinton back in the gig with Thompson and stayed with the man till half past two . He was unconscious then . He may linger a few hours , but will not live out the day , and there is little chance of his again recovering consciousness . Thompson will today send a copy of the deposition to the home secretary , with a request that it may be made public through the newspapers .