A novel by a geologist-turned-journalist which interweaves three eras of an Australian oil drilling location with issues about conservation and aboriginal land rights. In 1839 a British explorer, Stokes, finds oily sludge in water wells on the banks of the Victoria river. In 1942 wartime corporal Ash believes a German-born missionary is collaborating with Japanese invasion plans. Aided by an Aboriginal tracker Gabriel, Ash stalks, determined to find out the truth... In 1987 after a drilling rig accident geologist Brad meets hospital nurse Karen, the missionary's granddaughter and Karen introduces Brad to Ash, now their guardian. In a turn of events, Brad also meets Gabriel, now a land rights activist. The drilling programme is suspended in the wake of the world stock market crash. Brad, guided by Ash, takes Karen to look for Stokes' water wells and the mission ruins. Brad and Karen are unaware Ash has his own plan... Gabriel also knows more than Brad and Karen could anticipate...