midnight
It was so absurd for a child to be lonesome when there were three in the bed ! But Dotty was too low-spirited even to smile . Mrs. Rosenberg came up and boxed Rosina 's ears ; and after that the trundle-bed subsided . At last , when Dotty supposed it must be midnight , though it was only nine o'clock , there came a loud knocking at the side door . She hid her face under the coverlet , feeling sure it was either a wild Indian or a highway robber . `` Do n't be afraid , '' said Mandoline , rousing herself . `` It is somebody after beer , and mother has locked up the store . ''