In 1867, a man travels from his station near Narandera to Wagga Wagga, accompanied by an elderly nurse. The journey is fraught with danger due to the presence of a gang of bushrangers led by a notorious figure known as 'Blue-cap.' Despite the risks, he decides to travel unarmed, relying on luck to avoid the outlaws. During the return trip, he encounters three horsemen, initially believing them to be bushrangers. One of them, a young man, demands money and watches. The traveler, realizing they are not actual criminals but rather pressed men from a neighboring station, manages to avoid confrontation. The gang, seeking horses and a new rifle, visits the home of Mr. Lupton, where they successfully demand the rifle from Mrs. Lupton, who remains composed under pressure. The bushrangers' exploits lead to their eventual capture by the police. The gang, including Blue-cap, is apprehended after a brief confrontation. The narrator later visits the captured outlaws, reflecting on their choices and the futility of their criminal lifestyle. Blue-cap expresses regret over his decisions, lamenting the loss of a promising life as a stock-rider. The narrative explores themes of crime, consequence, and the human condition, highlighting the complexities of morality and the choices that lead individuals down divergent paths. The captured bushrangers face trial, and the narrator contemplates their future, hoping for their reform. The story concludes with a sense of closure as the land experiences a period of peace following the gang's capture.
By Rolf Boldrewood · First published 1888 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Western