midnight
In this order we made good our retreat from the house , and without the least adventure , drew pretty near to the corner of Euston Road . Before a house , where there was a light still burning , my companion paused . `` Let us here , '' said he , `` set down our boxes , while we go forward to the end of the street in quest of a cab . By doing so , we can still keep an eye upon their safety ; and we avoid the very extraordinary figure we should otherwise present -- a young man , a young lady , and a mass of baggage , standing castaway at midnight on the streets of London . '' So it was done , and the event proved him to be wise ; for long before there was any word of a cab , a policeman appeared upon the scene , turned upon us the full glare of his lantern , and hung suspiciously behind us in a doorway . `` There seem to be no cabs about , policeman , '' said my champion , with affected cheerfulness . But the constable 's answer was ungracious ; and as for the offer of a cigar , with which this rebuff was most unwisely followed up , he refused it point-blank , and without the least civility .