Western Australia 1909. William Watson's beloved father is set on an expedition to the north-west to map water sources in the Pilbara. Invited along as an assistant fifteen-year-old William embarks on the outback journey of a lifetime. At sea and on land William will forge lasting friendships with his fellow travellers and transform his relationship with his father as together they face the darkness in some men's hearts - including that of the cruel and vengeful Sergeant Jardine. This is a classic rite-of-passage novel that follows one young man on his journey of growth and self-discovery.