The material on this page is available to AustLit subscribers. If you are a subscriber or are from a subscribing organisation, please log in to gain full access. To explore options for subscribing to this unique teaching, research, and publishing resource for Australian culture and storytelling, please contact us or find out more.
Bob, an under-privileged boy, risks his life to save a child from drowning. His bravery is admired by medical staff who teach him to read and provided him with books. His interest in natural history and knowledge of the local flora and fauna attract the attention of a professor of natural history and his future career is assured. Bob eventually marries the young girl he rescued from drowning.
Daisy and her mother enjoy a bountiful Christmas with many presents and a glorious dinner. Mary and her poverty-stricken father enjoy neither presents nor food. Mary discovers this by chance and shares her Christmas gifts and fare with the father and daughter.