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Upon the death of both his parents Dickie is "imported by blackmail" from America by his four spinster aunts who live in Eolian, a fictitious town in Far North Queensland. His aunts renege on allowing him to attend a picnic when they learn that the location, 'the old Hulk', is owned by the 'Sanitary Boy'. Dickie constantly misbehaves following this revelation until his wit wins back permission to attend.
