"Well, it evidently comes in some way," remarked Captain Westfield as a fresh uproar of fighting arose from the dock.
It was useless to try to sleep as long as the din continued, so the three lay talking in low tones.
"Hark!" cried Charley, suddenly. "I wonder what they have done now."
Loud and clear above the din of fighting rang the sharp crack of a pistol. The report was followed by excited shouting and then silence.
"I'll bet one of them has been shot and it has frightened and sobered up the rest," Walter exclaimed. "Let's go out and see."
"No, you don't, lad," Captain Westfield declared, firmly. "You'll stay here if I have to hold you. It's none of our trouble and we don't any of us want to get mixed up in it."
Whatever had happened, it had effectually quieted the wild revelry. Our little party lay for awhile listening but the silence remained unbroken and one by one, they at last dropped off to sleep.
It was perhaps midnight when Walter raised up on his elbow and whispered softly.
"Are you asleep, Charley?"
"As wide awake as I ever was in my life," his chum grunted. "Why, anything the matter with you?"