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 on the fresh horses.
It was indeed a relief, to Reuben's anxiety, to find himself again flying over the ground at a rapid gallop, after the slow and tedious pace at which he had travelled since morning.

His spirits rose, and the fears which had oppressed him seemed lifted, as if by magic.

He assured himself that he had no cause for anxiety, for that the two constables would assuredly be on the watch, and Kate had promised not to venture beyond the doors of the house until his return..