noon
`` I do n't expect it , '' answered Bert . `` He appears to feel very little interest in us . '' They had reached the factory , and entering , were soon at work . Before noon the bad news was confirmed , and the boys were informed that their services would not be required after Saturday night . At dinner Bert informed his mother , and she too was dismayed . It was a calamity she had never dreamed of . She supposed Bert was sure of continued employment in pegging till he was old enough to be employed in some other part of the business .