noon
`` I recalled the men , and we started towards Sydney without a moment 's delay . I knew that both robbers were fast travellers , but I calculated that I could reach the point at which they would strike the Sydney road as soon , if not sooner , than they did . `` In this I was disappointed ; for although we rode all night , and only stopped long enough to recruit the strength of our animals , yet when I made an inquiry of a party bound for Ballarat , I found that two men , who stated that they were from the mines , had purchased provisions and water from them , and then continued on their course , as though they had not a moment to lose . It was noon when the information was given , and the murderers were seen at daylight . They had ten hours the start of us , but , nothing daunted , we pushed on , making inquiries of those whom we met , yet not a word of news could be obtained . I did not wonder much at that , for I knew that Darnley would avoid the high road as much as it was possible , and only strike it to obtain provisions . I also knew that he would conduct himself in a discreet manner , for fear of starting an alarm ; and that he would forego all thoughts of pillage for the sake of carrying through the business which he had undertaken .