AustLit

Novel's introduction:

'Towards the close of the year 1896, when Great Britain bent on recovering her lost Australian colonies- despatched a powerful expedition with that object in view, H.M. troopship Euphrates was employed to convey a large complement of the forces.

'I had just been appointed first lieutenant of the same. My friend, Herber Ainslie, formerly of the Victorian Survey Department, but now in the service of the British Government, had been deputed to accompany the expedition in an official capacity.

'One evening, when we were in the Indian Ocean, steaming rapidly towards the Australian coast, Ainslie and I were pacing the desk together as was our custom, enjoying the cool breeze, and discussing the coming campaign over a quiet cigar. For the first time during the voyage our conversation reverted to the terrible events which had so recently marked the overthrow of the colonies- a subject on which Ainslie had hitherto been singularly silent.

'The reason for this reicence was soon apparent, as I learned from his own lips the sad story of his personal experiences in Victoria at the time. For awhile we continued our promenade in silence. My friend's thoughts were of such a painful character that I felt reluctant to break in upon them with the usual sympathetic commonplaces.

'Suddenly he left my side, and went down to his cabin, whence he soon emerged with a manuscript. Placing it in my hands he said: "As I may never return to the old country, I should like you, my dear fellow, to see the publication of this as soon as you return. There are some few things in it which will, I think, to some extent explain how the precipitate and disastrous Separation movement came about; and which may, perhaps, prove interesting if made generally known in England."

'My gallant friend was fatally wounded almost at the close of the campaign. He survived long enough, however, to see the Union Jack flying once more in triumph over his native land.

'Needless to say, his wishes have been faithfully carried out.'