Chapter 1 Summary

Three children are playing in a field near their property line (a boy and two girls). It is the mid-nineteenth century in Queensland, Australia, when settlements were isolated and still very fearful of the aboriginal, or native, population. Beyond the boundary fence, a figure came out of the swamp. At first, they think he is a native black and then realized he is white. It is his appearance and manner that reminded them of the natives they have heard of. He runs towards them, flailing his arms wildly. The two girls, Janet and Meg McIvor draw back. The boy, Lachlan Beattie, jumps into the lead and points his stick at the man, who is standing on the fence, flapping his arms like a bird. He speaks in ragged, but understandable English, "Do not shoot. I am a British object!"

He is very dirty...