midnight
In an hour Smith came back with new nippers , which he fitted to the steel frame . Then he oiled the press , started it going a few revolutions , to test its condition , and handled the machinery so dexterously and with such evident confidence that Larry nodded to Fitz and muttered , `` He 'll do . '' McGaffey , knowing he was about to decamp , had not kept the press very clean ; but Thursday Smith put in the afternoon and evening removing grease , polishing and rubbing , until the huge machine shone resplendent . The girls went home at dinner time , but they sent Arthur to the office at midnight to see if the new pressman was proving capable . The Tuesday morning _ Tribune _ greeted them at the breakfast table , and the presswork was remarkably clean and distinct . In a day or so Mr. Merrick received a letter from Mr. Skeelty , the manager of the paper mill . He said : `` I understand you have employed one of my discharged workmen , who is named Thursday Smith .