midnight
`` That I ` ave n't , Mr. Gammon , except water . '' Gammon looked at his watch . `` Why , it 's only just half-past eleven . Hanged if I did n't think it was past midnight ! I must go round and get a drop of something . '' When he came back from quenching his thirst the house was in darkness . He strode the familiar ascent , and by Polly 's door -LRB- barricaded inside with the chest of drawers -RRB- hummed a mirthful strain .