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* Contents derived from the Sydney,New South Wales,:Herbert Scanlon,1923 version. Please note that other versions/publications may contain different contents. See the Publication Details.
A lonely digger aimlessly roams his small town, but the narrator knows what has broken the man's spirit. Serving in France in 1916, 'Bluey' had a sweetheart, a pretty local girl, Marmette. However, his discovery that she and her 'father' were really spies compelled Bluey to inform his superiors, which led to his being involved in their capture. Worse still, Bluey formed part of the firing squad that administered their punishment.
A successful businessman, whilst employing his son in the family business, disapproves of his son's intended fiance and believes the young man has no sense of responsibility. When the son objects, the father dismisses his son and challenges him to make good in business. Four years later, the father is stunned to find he has been outmanoeuvred by a mystery businessman.
When two men discuss the evocative power of scents, one is prompted to tell the other of a strange encounter he once had, and to show him the scented handkerchief he keeps as a reminder.
Though Guiseppe had endeavoured to make his fortune in a new country, things had not gone according to plan, so he decided to return to his native Italy as soon as he could save enough money to do so. However, when his widowed neighbour's toddler becomes ill, Guiseppe sacrifices his opportunity to return home by secretly donating all his savings to the child for medical treatment.
Extent:32p. Description:illus. (b & w) Written as:Herbert Scanlon (Late A.I.F.)
Note/s:
Author's note: To My Readers,- Because our mode of selling this book guarantees its entry into many homes, where there are young children of an impressionable age, I feel it is my duty to refrain from discussion on sex problems or religion. Lately many books dealing with sex have been sold indiscriminatley to the young people. To the clean-minded and pure-living among us this class of literature is distasteful, as the problems of sex and disease are easily solved by the clean-living who do not seek to create the problem. This book is fiction, clean and free from suggestion; a book that tells a story for young and old; a book with a purpose that will not degrade but possibly uplift. Into your hands I put this book, with the full assurance that I have given voice to your sentiments one and all. (Preface)
'Regard the quality rather than the quantity of what you read. The credentials of the Salesman selling this book have been fully enquired into, and on account of his excellent character, he has been engaged to act as the personal representative of the Author, in bringing this book before you. Please note-This book does not deal with sex, and is clean and wholesome.' (p.2)