eight o'clock
To keep the robbers quiet , and prevent their committing any violence on those who rode in the team , a stout , spare chain was passed from the forward end of the cart to the back part , and fastened underneath . To this the feet of the men were secured , so that it was impossible for them to move , or commit any sudden act of violence . The method was severe , but the only safe plan , and Murden was too old a hand at rogue-taking to adopt half-way measures . At eight o'clock we were ready for our journey . Three of the police were to ride on the cart as a means of precaution , and Fred and myself were promoted to horses . Smith resumed his old position by the side of his cattle , and after an affectionate leave-taking with the old convict and his child , we started ; but , to our surprise , the hound trotted along by my side , and all words or gestures were useless in forcing him to return to his mistress . Knowing that she valued the animal , I rode back with him , and requested her to call him into the hut and close the door , but to my astonishment , she declined ; and when I urged that I could not induce the animal to return unless I accompanied him , she requested me , in a quiet manner , to accept of him as a gift , and the only conditions that she imposed were , that I should treat him kindly during his life .