A new policeman, Bernie O'Donnell arrives in Cooma prepared to stamp out the ethnic tension that is causing fights in the camps. Lilian shows a special interest in Michael's writing ability and the first meeting between Wolfie and Michael is not an auspicious beginning.

Wolfie encourages Michael's infatuation with Lilian, his teacher, while Stuart has a falling out with Alf. At the camp, serious accusations are made against Max who faces deportation by the authorities — and even harsher treatment from his workmates who suffered under the Germans during the war.

A developing friendship between Wolfie and Kate makes everyone uneasy. The Snowy is beginning to reveal its ugly side with gamblers in the camps and cattle thieves in the mountains — events which combine to provide Stuart with a fateful opportunity to exact vengeance for the death of his sons.

As Bernie tries to piece together the events surrounding the shooting, Wolfie lies in a coma from which he may not recover.aa Michael is devastated when the truth behind Wolfie's shooting is finally revealed and Lilian, herself alienated by small town attitudes, reaches out to comfort him.