Mulga's brand identified him as having been born on a north-west cattle station, and Big Jim Morton recognised it instantly. Both were now a long way from home, fighting for the war effort in the Middle East. A few judicious words in the right place saw Mulga assigned to Jim, and from then on man and horse were an impressive team. Jim had determined to bring the loyal Mulga back to Australia with him when the war was over, but fate willed otherwise.