two o'clock in the morning
After four days ' walking across a lofty plateau they descended into a cultivated valley , and before them rose the cupolas of Kirensk , while along the valley flowed the Lena , as yet but a small river , although it would become a mighty flood before it reached the sea , nearly four thousand miles away . It would have to be crossed at Kirensk , and they sat down and held a long council as to how they had best get through the town . They agreed that it must be done at night , for in the daytime they certainly would have to produce passports . `` There will not be much chance of meeting a Cossack or a policeman at one or two o'clock in the morning , Luka , and if there were any about we ought to be able to get past them in the dark . '' `` If one stops us I can settle him , '' Luka said , tapping his knife . `` No , no , Luka , we wo n't have any bloodshed if we can help it , though I do not mean to be taken . If a fellow should stop us and ask any questions , and try to arrest us , I will knock him down , and then we will make a bolt for it .