midnight
He then walked slowly , scrutinizing every face he saw . But indeed there were few people about , for Christian Pera does not fast in Ramazán , and consequently does not spend the night in parading the streets . Nevertheless , Paul began a systematic search , leaving no small café or eating-house unvisited , rousing the sleepy porters of the inns with his inquiries , and finally entering the hotel . It was now past midnight , but he would not give up the quest . He caused all the guides to be collected from their obscure habitations by messengers from the hotel , and representing to them the urgency of the case , and giving them money in advance with the promise of more to come , he dispatched them in all directions . Alexander had been at the hotel very often during the last month , while visiting the sights of the city , and most of these fellows knew him by sight . At all events , it would be easy for them to recognize a well-dressed Frank gentleman in trouble .