Early twentieth century, the States federate to become the Commonwealth of Australia. At almost the same time, committing troops to the conflict in South Africa. Set within the context of this military campaign, is the drama of the young heiress Audrey Farquar.

Audrey has fled Sydney in fear of her life;-whoever has done away with her father, was now after Audrey. Soon Audrey finds herself in South Africa; en route for Europe, she has been diverted due to interruption of the ongoing war. Oliver Banfield, a clerk, from her father's firm, has been sent after Audrey by the firm's head accountant, to keep an eye on her. She is supposedly unbalanced.

Audrey dodges Oliver all across South Africa, believing he is tracking her to do her harm. It turns out, he was merely to be a stooge. Oliver eventually comes to understand that immediately he points her out to the evil Bulller, she will die. Due to circumstances - mostly beyond his own control - Oliver takes part in the siege at Elands River. Recovering from wounds, Oliver eventually tracks Audrey to her destination. Buller, though, is still on the trail.

The story ends in a dramatic showdown in the snow of Bavaria. The cryptic note Audrey had received mysteriously in Sydney and memorised, turns out to be details of her father's secret Swiss bank account. Her father's head accountant is revealed to be the arch villain.

Despite the odds stacked against them by this cunning and relentless foe, they win through. The troubles experienced by these two, instead of destroying them, has strengthened their characters.

On the wider stage, the separate states sent volunteers to fight in the Boer War. After Federation, these troops returned Australia, as nucleus for the nation's army.