'I'm not. There's somebody monkeying around outside.'
'Boil your head,' muttered the Captain. 'It don't matter, anyway; all bad folks are asleep by this time.'
'I'm darned sure there was someone. Heard footsteps, then a sound like striking a match to look for a number. Some of your pards after you, I reckon. Alf.'
'Let 'em come. Lots of liquor for 'em. Fetch up that full bottle from the corner,' shouted the Factor.
'Ante up first, Dave. You're the worst I ever saw for trying to sneak in your nickles.'
Strong knuckles fell determinedly upon the door panel to prove the truth of Dave's words.
'It's your pals, Alf,' said the Captain, with a chuckle. 'Bring 'em in, and we'll make an everlasting night of it.'
'Bet you; it'll be the boys. They're after giving me a surprise party. Lucky I'm not in bed, or they'd have dragged me out first thing.'
The heavy knocking came again, this time lasting longer.
'Come on, you old razzle-pates!' shouted McAuliffe. 'What are you standing outside making that darned row for.'