William continues his journey into the new frontier of the Australian gold fields. Left behind by the Lady Grace, William leaves his shipmates and strikes out on his own, hoping to find gold that he heard is there for the taking. Sometimes with luck on his side, he discovers that gold is not ever plentiful, and diggers find more trouble than gold. Dangers abound for everyone, and life can sometimes be cheap in the harsh and unforgiving Australian gold fields. Gold is the magnet for William, but Australia proves a challenge. Heat, dust, flies, and mosquitoes test forbearance while snakes are an ever-present danger, and an implacable Government is determined to exact its share from the gold. William is caught up in the confrontation between the diggers and authority as patience is exhausted on both sides and a bloody fight is inevitable.