So far he had not been placed in a position of great responsibility; for although for the last two years he had been in charge of a district, it was not far from Sydney, and his duties consisted principally in hunting for convicts who had made their escape, in looking after refractory ticket-of-leave men, and in ordinary constabulary work.

He had learned in that time to become a first-rate rider, and a good shot with a pistol, accomplishments which would be of vital service when he was ordered to an up-country station.

For his pistols he had as yet, however, had no actual use, as neither bush rangers nor natives penetrated so far into the settlement.
At the end of the four years' service, he received a letter from Captain Wilson, who had just succeeded to the chief command of the constabulary, ordering him to hand over charge of the district to the young officer who was the bearer of the letter, and to report himself at headquarters.
Reuben was now nearly three-and-twenty, and had grown into a very powerful young man.

A life spent for the most part on horseback had hardened his muscles, and filled out his frame.

He stood about five feet nine, but looked shorter, owing to his great width of shoulders.