an hour after
midnight
From upstairs sounded a banjo , preluding ; then the sound of Mr. Cheeseman 's voice chanting a popular refrain : Come where the booze is cheaper , Come where the pots ` old more , Come where the boss is a bit of a joss , Come to the pub next door ! Polly could not resist this invitation . She looked in at the Cheesemans ' sitting-room and enjoyed half an hour of friendly gossip before going to bed . Scarcely had quiet fallen upon the house -- it was half an hour after midnight -- when at the front door sounded a discreet but resolute knocking . Mrs. Bubb , though she had retired to her chamber , was not yet wholly unpresentable ; reluctantly , and with wonder , she went to answer the untimely visitor . After a short parley through the gap of the chained door she ascended several flights and sought to arouse Mr. Gammon -- no easy task . `` What 's up ? ''