This is the story of a Kanaka, a Samoan warrior caught up in the illegal practice of Blackbirding to acquire pacific islanders as unpaid workers.

Mel Milo is the son of the king of Samoa. His life of privilege came to a sudden end when he was taken aboard a slave ship bound for the cane fields in the Great Southern Land: Australia.

His mother had educated him in reading, writing, and arithmetic, against the wishes of his father, who taught the heir to his throne the traditional ways of Samoa.

He was later bought by a sheep farmer, who treated Mel as a son. His devoted friend, a young Aborigine, shared many adventures, while a temperamental ghost liked to stir the pot.

His European education opened unexpected doors to a life of respectability and fulfillment. His greatest joy was his wife and family.

He was one of the lucky ones.