twelve o'clock
`` Throughout the long night we spurred onward , and when daylight appeared , tired and sore with our journey , we stopped at another station to change horses . The murderers had left their mark at that place also , and in front of the door was the stockman shot through the heart , and stone dead . `` The men selected a number of animals , and after our never-failing stimulant , a cup of coffee , and a piece of broiled meat , we were in the saddle again , and galloping towards the next station , where I knew it would be impossible for the convicts to obtain fresh horses , as sheep only were kept there . `` At twelve o'clock we reached the station , and drew up at the door . There was no sign of life about the premises , and with sad misgivings , I dismounted , and entered the hut ; but I started back in horror , for on the floor were a dozen men , motionless and lifeless , as I at first thought ; but a closer examination convinced me that they were bound hand and foot , and their mouths gagged . `` It may seem to you incredible , but it is nevertheless true , and only proves what resolute men can accomplish when opposed to weakness . Twelve men were surprised and bound , and made to lie flat on their backs at the word of command , and so well did they obey the instructions of the murderers , that the latter , very probably , were too much pleased with their compliance to waste powder on them .