noon
He called to the young man , though , with his whole might , which woke Big Tom and Cis , and Cis woke Johnnie , by telling him to turn over , for he was having a nightmare . Next morning , hope buoyed Johnnie up from the moment he opened his eyes . He rose joyously ; and by nine o'clock everything was in readiness for the coming of the leader , and Johnnie was waiting eagerly , ears cocked . But when , shortly before noon , he realized that a stranger was climbing the tenement stairs , not his ears but his small nose gave him the information . Charging the air from the hall was perfume so strong and delightful that , sniffing it in surprise and pleasure , he hastened to open the door and glance up and around in the gloom for what he felt sure would be like a smoke . He saw nothing ; but heard lively breathing , and a _ swish , swish , swish _ ; next , a weak , mewlike cry . Then here was Mrs. Kukor herself , dropping down volubly , step by step , from her floor , aided by the banisters .