It seemed as though he were playing a part.
As the train drew out of the town, night was falling and the East grew mysterious as the thitherward side of the river of death.

Familiar things were being left behind.

Uncertainties thickened like the darkness.

All night long the engine hooted and howled and jarred along through the deep darkness, and every time the train stopped the cattle and sheep were inspected.

Lanterns held aloft disclosed cattle being trampled to death and sheep smothering.