With the onset of darkness, the lights go out on Olkhovaya Street, and passers-by who go on business disappear. In small but solid houses, residents are getting ready for bed.

Vemyan Korri looks at his wife sleeping in her sleep, and quietly leaves on tiptoe. While his missus is sleeping, he takes out a small check saved up for such an occasion. The man is already opening a Berg bottle of vigorous water and, in anticipation, inhales its pungent smell when he hears someone's steps outside.

“Someone can’t sleep!” Wemian thinks. Strangers who have disturbed the peace of Alder Street approach Mr. Corry's house and do not pass by, but...