In the 1860's in the Colony of Victoria, Tabu an aborigine goes 'walkabout' after a violent tribal fight during which his brother is killed.

He rescues the wife of a drover/farmer - Michael, who is an escaped Convict. He hires Tabu, to help him drove sheep into the mainly unexplored northern districts of Victoria to the Murray River. Only a few hardy explorers and drovers had previously been through this country when bringing stock overland from Sydney to Melbourne.

Their droving encounters many difficulties, crossing several rivers - bushfires - floods - theft of sheep and aborigine conflict. Parallel family stories involve an aborigine battle - wild dog attacks - water rights and attempted piracy. The Novel also includes other tales involving their family's trial and tribulations, bordering on truth and fiction. The Author's knowledge of Australian history has helped him interweave tales of early settlers and aboriginal lifestyles to bring together significant events that occurred within Michael's and Tabu's family.

The Colony's scenery and unique animals are also vividly described, together with a surprising conclusion for Michael. Collectively these descriptions have helped to complete an exciting must-read story 'Of days gone by' and will be of interest to all readers, and will increase the knowledge of students of Australian History.

The time: 1999. The location: The mountainous district of Ermera, East Timor. The Participants: Locals from the various Timorese factions; Indonesian Police and Military; International Electoral Observers; United Nations personnel, paid staff, international volunteers, locally employed staff, three Military Liaison Officers and twenty five Police Officers from 8 nations.

The task: To organise and conduct a vote, known as the Popular Consultation, on East Timor remaining as part of Indonesia or becoming an independent nation. The story — how the determination, dedication and courage, often to the point of valour, of the UN personnel overcame all obstacles and faced down all threats which enabled the East Timorese to exercise their right to decide.