Sarah Lucas' anxious father, the wealthy industrialist Hindmarsh, arrives at Crockers Gully to persuade her to return to England with him - the two had been somewhat estranged as he had not approves of Sarah's late husband. During Hindmarsh's journey to the goldfields he is attacked by a bushranger, but manages to escape after shooting his assailant in the shoulder. The bushranger turns out to be Richard Lucas, Sarah's brother-in-law, who has lived the life of an outlaw since he avoided arrest back when Sarah first arrived at Crockers Gully. Sarah convinces her father that she wishes to remain in Australia, and her relationship with McKellar improves and they become engaged, with McKellar intending to marry Sarah and leave the police force.