Each gnome was given a specific task to complete, and each gnome completed that task by the end of the day, save two, who were nowhere to be found.
"The new kids," said the floor-manager, "Probably lost track of time avoiding work. Tch. Can't trust anyone under fifty. Shall I search?"
"No," said the shift-manager, "I think they'll show up at the right moment."
A month later, they reappeared with future knowledge, the moment it was needed.