noon of
Saturday
And then from all over the dresser came a chorus of little tappings , all sounding together , and answering one another , like watch-beetles in an old worm-eaten window-shutter -- _ Tip tap , tip tap , tip tap tip _ ! And out from under tea-cups and from under bowls and basins , stepped other and more little mice who hopped away down off the dresser and under the wainscot . -LSB- Illustration -RSB- The tailor sat down , close over the fire , lamenting -- `` One-and-twenty button-holes of cherry-coloured silk ! To be finished by noon of Saturday : and this is Tuesday evening . Was it right to let loose those mice , undoubtedly the property of Simpkin ? Alack , I am undone , for I have no more twist ! '' The little mice came out again , and listened to the tailor ; they took notice of the pattern of that wonderful coat .