noon
A little amused smile appeared on his face as he did so , in spite of his discouragement and melancholy . But to the common sense and sincerity of the girl , there seemed nothing ludicrous in setting him thus to the undignified work . Intent upon her scheme , she darted away to where the several gangs of men were still making some pretense of working . To each gang , she said : `` I 've got two thousand dollars for you men , if you stick to your work and finish it before noon to-day . I 'll divide the money equally among all the men who stick . It will be ten dollars apiece , or more . Of course , you 'll get your triple wages besides .