noon
It took a good half-hour to get the type properly arranged in the chase . When single letters did not drop through from the middle , the ends of the lines fell away , and then , try as they would , the boys were unable to lock the stickful in the chase . Either it would not bind , or it warped out or in so that even without trial it could be seen that a clear impression was manifestly impossible . These and other mechanical difficulties occupied them until noon . Johnny was wild-eyed and nervous . `` Why , we have n't even started to print ! '' he cried , `` We 'll never get a job done at this rate !