midnight
those new boots they have issued have given me corns ; I 'll have to send them back . '' This conversation proceeded from beneath a bench and from the steps that led to a top-compartment ; the men hung up their leggings which , though marked with fresh Government labels , were none the less reeking with perspiration . The lamps moved along the platform and disappeared into the night ; the figures of women and stretcher - bearers silently crept along ; a sentry began to flirt with one of the former ; the rain fell slantingly , arrow-like , in the darkness . They reached Rzhov at midnight in the train ; the men climbed out of the windows for tea ; then clambered in again with their rifles ; the carriages resounded with the rattling of canteens . It was raining heavily and there was a sound of splashing water . The brethren in the corridors grumbled bitterly as they inspected papers . Under the benches there was conversation , and also garbage .