nine o'clock
There is no stage coach for you , and you 'll have to keep with your waggon . These bullocks go about two miles an hour . '' This was news to Nic , who had been imbued with some kind of notion that he was going to get home that same evening , and that was why his father had started so early . Sir John entered the room directly after , and the meal was just as if it had been nine o'clock instead of four in the morning ; so that the travellers were well prepared , when the doctor rose , to say good-bye , for the cracking of a stock whip and sundry ejaculations and apostrophes to the bullocks to `` come on , '' and `` get over , '' and `` pull , '' were heard outside , where a couple of horses freshly brought round were stamping and pawing the dust , impatient to be off . The dogs were hurried round from the stables -- these being the two collies intended for the doctor -- and after many frantic dashes at the horses , they were taken forward toward the waggon , where the bullocks were immediately driven into a state of commotion , and faced round to lower their horns and receive their enemies . Finally , however , the two excited animals were safely chained to the back of the waggon , which started at once with a great deal of whip cracking and shouting on the part of Brookes , his fellow , Leather , being perfectly silent , and the black nowhere to be seen . This start having been accomplished , the doctor returned with his son to say their final farewells to the governor and his lady .