While travelling by ship to Sydney, Brennan meets George Greenland, who is also planning to join the police force. Dorothea, the woman he loves, has travelled to Australia ahead of him. However, he discovers she has apparently broken her promise to him and married another man. Broken-hearted, Greenland falls ill and dies. After his death Dorothea arrives at the hotel and Greenland's fatal mistake is revealed. Brennan finishes this piece with an account of his experiences at Araluen in 1868. He also meets Dorothea again. She has remained faithful to her promise to Greenland and regards herself as his widow. Dorothea is the means by which Brennan unmasks a clever imposter.