a quarter past one in the
morning
He pointed to a bicycle that was drawn up by the kerb in the approach -- a machine of the road-racer type , with an enormous sprocket-wheel , indicating a gear of , at least , ninety . `` Some scorcher or amateur racer , probably , '' I said , `` who takes the opportunity of getting a spin on the wood pavement when the streets are empty . '' I looked round to see if I could identify the owner , but the machine appeared to be , for the moment , taking care of itself . King 's Cross is one of those districts of which the inhabitants are slow in settling down for the night , and even at a quarter past one in the morning its streets are not entirely deserted . Here and there the glimmer of a street lamp or the far-reaching ray from a tall electric light reveals the form of some nocturnal prowler creeping along with cat-like stealthiness , or bursting , cat-like , into unmelodious song . Not greatly desirous of the society of these roysterers , we crossed quickly from the station into the Gray 's Inn Road , now silent and excessively dismal in aspect , and took our way along the western side . We had turned the curve and were crossing Manchester Street , when a series of yelps from ahead announced the presence of a party of merry-makers , whom we were not yet able to see , however , for the night was an exceptionally dark one ; but the sounds of revelry continued to increase in volume as we proceeded , until , as we passed Sidmouth Street , we came in sight of the revellers .