AustLit

'Another Australian history adventure novel by award-winning author Clancy Tucker. A story of bushrangers, bravery and betrayal. Pat Toomey’s violent father dies, leaving Pat, his mother and four sisters in the Port Phillip District of Australia during the 1850’s gold rush. Pat and best friend, Seamus, are offered a job by Irishman, Michael Macevoy; to transport supplies to miners in Ballarat. Less

'Another Australian history adventure novel by award-winning author Clancy Tucker. 

'Pat Toomey’s violent father dies, leaving Pat, his mother and four sisters in the Port Phillip District of Australia during the 1850’s gold rush. Pat and best friend, Seamus, are offered a job by Irishman, Michael Macevoy; to transport supplies to miners in Ballarat. They take the job, and Macevoy becomes a regular caller at the Toomey’s home. The boys meet many people who know their boss, and it intrigues them. They also save a Chinese family from a dangerous bushranger, Jack Lawrie, and meet another wanted bushranger, Martin Riley – Michael Macevoy’s best mate. 

'Jack Lawrie escapes and seeks revenge, surprising the boys one evening, but Martin Riley appears from the dark and seriously maims Lawrie. Whilst transporting Lawrie to Castlemaine, troopers appear, notice Riley, and a chase ensues. Shots are fired and Riley is injured, but Seamus mounts Riley’s horse and rides away. Lawrie and Pat are in custody, a trooper has been shot, and Riley is still free, but Michael Macevoy arrives and Pat is released. That night, Martin Riley dies. 

'The boys deliver a shattered Macevoy to Pat’s mother’s home, and they step up to run Macevoy’s Transport when Michael enters a period of deep depression. The boys work hard, employ staff, and expand the business to the Bendigo goldfields. Will Michael Macevoy overcome his depression? Why does Michael know so many people?' (Publication summary)