rdly
believe horses could go a hundred miles in a day, even if led a
part of the distance. Another fifty miles will take us to Donald's.
It is about twenty miles to the water hole where we camped, the
first night; and that was about thirty miles from the station."

"Shall Jim light a fire, sah?"

"No, Jim, it isn't worth while. There is some cold meat in my
haversack, if you are hungry; but I am too tired to eat. If there
are any natives prowling about, a fire might bring them round on
us."

"No tink black fellows near, massa."

"I don't think so either, but I don't want to run the risk, Jim;
besides, I am sure neither of us can be trusted to keep watch."

Reuben, in spite of his fatigue, was some time before he could get
off to sleep. The thought that probably Tom Thorne was, at that
time, camped at the water hole twenty miles ahead; and that, in the
morning, his horse would be far fresher than those he had ridden,
was maddening to him. At one time he thought of getting up, and
pursuing his way on foot; but he was stiff in every limb, and felt
that the journey was beyond him. Moreover, if the bush ranger had
taken some other line, and was not camping there, he would have no
means of pursuing his journey.

At the first gleam of daylight they were afoot. The saddles were
put on the horses, and they continued their way. Reuben soon found,
however, that the five hours he had rested had been insufficient to
restore the horses and, even by riding them alternately, he could
get them but little beyond a walk.

On arriving at the water hole, the remains of a fire were found.
Jim examined the ground carefully, and found the tracks of a horse;
and was of opinion that the rider had started three or four hours
previously. Reuben carried a large flask of spirits and, having
poured what remained in it down the throats of the horses, and
given them a drink at the pool, he again pressed on.

Ten miles farther, he arrived at the first outlying station. The
owner of this had not joined in the expedition, being a married
man, and unwilling to leave his wife in such an exposed position.
But upon Reuben's arrival he at once agreed to lend him two fresh
horses, and to take care of those which Reuben brought with him.

While the settler was driving them in from the paddock, his wife
busied herself in preparing two huge bowls of bread and milk. These
were thankfully swallowed by Reuben and Jim and, five minutes
later, they started