midnight
Sarudine was gay , and on the alert , like a wild beast that scents its prey . Sanine yawned as usual , ate , drank a good deal of brandy and apparently seemed longing to go to sleep . But when supper was over , he declared his intention of walking home with Sarudine . It was near midnight , and the moon shone high overhead . Almost in silence the two walked towards the officer 's quarters . All the way Sanine kept looking furtively at Sarudine , wondering if he should , or should not , strike him in the face . `` Hm !