McCaughlin adjusted the red-checked neckerchief over his face, and slipped into the doorway where the shadows would hide him from any passerby. He slipped a piece of stiff wire from his pocket and deftly picked the lock.

He glanced around the street. Not a person was in sight, although he heard the sounds of raucouslaughter coming from the nearby saloon. All the better. He thought, Their laughter will cover any noises I might make.