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.