Even in the moonlight they looked deplorable objects, grimed, covered with dust and ashes, their skins and clothes scorched by the fierce heat.
They seemed drunk with fatigue, and could scarcely sit their horses.
When they dismounted they could hardly stand.
Their feeble COO-EES at the sliprails brought out Ninnis, who had been sent home in the afternoon and had been taking some well-earned repose so as to be ready for the next shift--happily not required.

He and the few hands left to look after the head-station and the tailing-mob held the men's horses when their riders literally tumbled off them.

Ninnis made McKeith take a strong pull of whiskey and supported him along to the Old Humpey.

For Colin had had strength to say that Lady Bridget must on no account be disturbed.

Ninnis led him to the room lately occupied by Willoughby Maule, and was surprised at his employer's vehement refusal to remain in it.
'I'll not stop here....