midnight
Loupart , separating himself from his companions , entered a restaurant upon which the words `` The Crocodile '' were inscribed in dazzling letters on its front . The Crocodile comprised , like most night resorts , a large saloon on the ground floor and a dining-room on the first floor which was reached by a little stairway and guarded by a giant clad in magnificent livery . Above this were apartments and private rooms . Just then , as it was near midnight , a number of carriages were bringing couples in evening dress , who mounted the staircase . To their great surprise , Fandor and Josephine saw Loupart make for this staircase . The long smock of the seeming cattle-driver would certainly make a queer showing . What was the formidable robber 's game ?