noon
`` Anna , my daughter Anna , '' cried Herr Dapsul down through the speaking trumpet ; `` come up here to me immediately ! '' She found him dressed very much like a miner . He spoke in a tone of decision and resolution , saying , `` When need is the sorest , help is often nearest . I have ascertained that Daucus Carota will not leave his palace to-day , and most probably not till noon of to-morrow . He has assembled the princes of his house , the ministers , and other people of consequence to hold a council on the subject of the next crop of winter cabbage . The sitting is important , and it may be prolonged so much that we may not have any cabbage at all next winter . I mean to take advantage of this opportunity , while he is so occupied with his official affairs that he wo n't be able to attend to my proceedings , to prepare a weapon with which I may perhaps attack this shameful gnome , and prevail over him , so that he will be compelled to withdraw , and set you at liberty .