midday
`` No arguments , if you please -- sign , or go ! '' When the notice came to Pelle all eyes were turned upon him as though they expected a signal ; tools were laid down , but the machinery ran idly for a time . Pelle read the notice and then bent over his work again . During the midday pause they crowded about him . `` What now ? '' they asked ; and their eyes were fixed upon him , while their hands were trembling . `` Had n't we better pack up and go at once ?