noon
That , with what she had not spent from her ridiculously big allowance , seemed a fortune . Saturday dawned a crisp , cold , bright day , promising to the expectant sponsors of the House of Laughter , all kinds of success . But at twelve o'clock a little group of mill workers , chosen by their fellows , went to Frank Norris , the Superintendent , and asked for higher wages and better living conditions , Adam Kraus acting as their leader . It was not the first time these complaints and requests had been laid before the superintendent -- but now , in the hearts of the hundreds of men and girls who hung around the yards long after the noon whistle blew , a new hope kindled , for there had never before been a man among them who could talk so convincingly as Adam Kraus or could more effectually make old Norris realize that they all knew now , to a man , that they could get more money almost anywhere else and work and live like decent human beings . Adam Kraus had opened their eyes . He was their hero -- for the moment . As he came , somewhat precipitously , from the office building they gave a quick shout that died , however , with a menacing suddenness , as they saw his failure written on his angry face .