They were well aware that he was on the watch, and it might be well that they should know also how close his watch was kept.

He took the German and Jacko with him, but left them with their horses about a mile on the Boolabong side of his own fence, nigh to the extreme boundary of the Debatable Land.

They knew his whistle, and were to ride to him at once should he call them.
He had left the house about noon, saying that he would be home to dinner--which, however, on such occasions, was held to be a feast movable over a wide space of time.

But on this occasion the women expected him to come early, as it was his intention to be out again as soon as it should be dark.

Mrs.Growler was asked to have the dinner ready at six.