noon
Turning abruptly to William , the proprietor said : `` I understand you know something about theatres and acting ? '' `` Try me ; you shall be my judge . '' `` Then , sir , from this hour you are appointed assistant property man and assistant prompter for the Blackfriars , at sixteen shillings a week , with chance of promotion , if you deserve it ! `` Your business hours shall be from noon , every week day , until five o'clock ; and from eight o'clock in the night until eleven o'clock , when you are at liberty until the next day ! `` Do you accept the work ? '' William promptly replied : `` I accept with immeasurable thanks , and like Cæsar of old , I cross the dramatic Rubicon . '' The Bard was then introduced to Bull Billings , the chief property man and prompter , who at once initiated William into the machinery secrets of the stage , with its scenes , ropes , chains , masks , moons , gods , swords , bucklers , guns , pikes , torches , wheels , chairs , thrones , giants , wigs , hats , bonnets , robes , brass jewels , kings , queens , dukes , lords , and all the other paraphernalia of dramatic exhibition .