It was evening before she reappeared on the deck of the Caucasus.

The long twilight imparted a coolness to the atmosphere eagerly enjoyed by the passengers after the stifling heat of the day.

As the evening advanced, the greater number never even thought of going into the saloon.

Stretched on the benches, they inhaled with delight the slight breeze caused by the speed of the steamer.

At this time of year, and under this latitude, the sky scarcely darkened between sunset and dawn, and left the steersman light enough to guide his steamer among the numerous vessels going up or down the Volga.
Between eleven and two, however, the moon being new, it was almost dark.
Nearly all the passengers were then asleep on the deck, and the silence was disturbed only by the noise of the paddles striking the water at regular intervals.