Rob, on board the north-bound train, hoped no-one would notice him.  For he was running away from home, which had not felt like home since his father died.  His uncle had sold the farm and disposed of Rob’s beloved horses so Rob set off to join his older brother Alan, working in Mount Isa.  He lost his money then his train tickets so he was glad to meet the rough, hearty bushman Pardy and his granddaughter Dot. They offer to drive him to Mount Isa and invite him to stay on their cattle station.  Rob’s growing friendship with Pardy, Dot and her brother Ernie arouse the enmity of another boy, Frank.  This enmity has dramatic results when the party reach Mou8nt Isa and must search for Alan.  Then Rob’s uncle arrives…