Farrar has a rival when the Chevalier de Vaucluse arrives in Turon Springs and sets up a major new mining venture, with many miners leaving the Great Eastern to work for the new concern.

Sgt. McKellar is seriously injured when a bank robbery is attempted while Turon Springs is deserted due to surrounding bushfires.

Three inexperienced bushrangers attempt to hijack a large gold nugget en route to Bathurst.