Indeed, just before sunset, or a little after six o'clock, the walk became final.

At last they reached the rising ground that stretched up the slope of the Mooifontein hill, and here the poor beast fell down utterly worn out.

Jess slipped off and tried to drag it up, but failed.
It had no strength left in it.

So she did what she could, pulling off the bridle and undoing the girth, so that the saddle would fall off if the horse ever managed to rise.

The animal watched her go with melancholy eyes, knowing that it was being deserted.