In ten minutes the two constables returned, having performed their mission.
Although he had no reason to believe that the blacks were within ten miles of him, Reuben now took the precaution of sending one constable out on each flank, to a distance of fifty yards.

A third was directed to keep with Jim, fifty yards ahead of the main body; consisting of Reuben himself, a constable, and two colonists.
Occasionally Reuben rode forward to question Jim.
"How many sheep do you think have gone along the track you are following ?" "About thirty sheep, and three black fellow." "How do you know there are three black fellows, Jim?
I can see marks, sometimes, of the sheep's feet; but I have not seen a man's footprint at all." "Jim see 'em, captain, plain enough.

When dey all follow sheep, not very plain to see; but sometimes, when de sheep want to scatter, Jim see one footmark on one hand and one on the other, and sure to be one man behind." "How far are the sheep ahead, Jim, have you any idea ?" "Six, eight hours, sar, when dey pass here; but dere's no saying how far they are, now.

May be long way on, may be only little way.
Me tink dat they hab not gone so berry far; dat smoke berry thin, not see him more than ten miles." "I wish you had said that before, Jim," Reuben said.

"We would have kept together and have galloped on, and taken our chance of finding them." "Might have found four or five of dem," Jim replied, "but de others all scattered.