He busied himself with Ninnis--first explaining to the overseer as briefly as he could, the necessity for Lady Bridget's voyage to England--a necessity that appealed to Ninnis' practical mind, particularly in the present financial emergency.

It surprised him a little that McKeith should not himself see his wife off; but he also recognised practical reasons--against that natural concession to sentiment.

On the whole, it rather pleased him to find his employer ignoring sentiment, and he fully appreciated the confidence reposed in himself.
The two men went over questions connected with the journey, overhauling the buggy so that springs, bars and bolts might be in order, seeing that the horses were in good condition, sending on Cudgee that very hour, with a second pair in relay for the long stage of the morrow, when over fifty miles must be covered.

There would be another pair at old Duppo's, and, after a day and night of comparative rest, Alexander and Roxalana would be fresh for the last long stage of the journey.
They calculated that under these provisions the railway terminus at Crocodile Creek, might be reached on the eve of the third day.

And there were many instructions, and much careful arranging for Lady Bridget's comfort during the journey.
Then there were letters to write, business calculations, a further overdraft to be applied for to the Bank, pending the cattle sales....
Would there be saleable cattle enough to meet demands and expenses of sinking fresh artesian bores--now that the fire had destroyed all the best grass on the run?
McKeith found no consolation in the prospect of his wife's riches.