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.

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.