midnight
The moon was shining brightly ; and its rays fell with dazzling lustre upon the snow which covered the ground . It was a most lovely night , altho ' excessively cold ; and Sydney , feeling not the least inclination to retire to rest , said to himself : ` What is to prevent me from beginning my career of usefulness and charity to-night ? The hour is late -- but misery sleeps not , and 't is never too late to alleviate the sufferings of distressed humanity . Yes , I will go forth , even at the midnight hour , and perchance I may encounter some poor fellow-creature worthy of my aid , or visit some abode of poverty where I can minister to the comfort of its wretched inmates . ' He threw on an ample cloak , put on a fur cap and gloves , and taking his sword-cane in his hand , left the hotel , and proceeded at a rapid pace thro ' the moon-lit and deserted streets . He entered the Park , and crossed over towards Chatham street , wishing to penetrate into the more obscure portions of the city , where Poverty , too often linked with Crime , finds a miserable dwelling-place . Thus far , he had not encountered a single person ; but on approaching the rear of the City Hall , he observed the figure of a man issue from the dark obscurity of the building , and advance directly toward him .