half
past twelve
`` Well , then , '' he said , hopelessly , `` I 'll -- I 'll try . '' `` Thanks . Now you run around town and see the sights . Dinner 's at half past twelve prompt , so be on hand for that . '' After his grandson had gone , the captain , hands still in his pockets , stood for some time looking out of the window . At length he spoke aloud . `` A play actor or a poetry writer ! ''