Anne Marie Ingham lived as a child in New Zealand and New Guinea, returning to Australia at the outbreak of World War II. With her husband Lister she raised four children on the property west of Orange where she bred fine Murray Grey cattle. She has great affection for the north of Australia and its colourful inhabitants.

Foreword 6 When it all Began 8 i Old Heads on Skinny Young Shoulders 9 ii On Their Own 16 iii The Young Ringer 29 iv An Eventful Initiation 42 v The War Comes to Australia 54 vi The Boss Himself 66 vii Confidence Returns 85 viii The Larrikins 92 ix The Unholy Alliance 106 x The Larrikins Wed 121 xi Enter Emily 133 xii Love of a Lifetime 146 xiii The Drovers Dancing Cook 164 xiv The Partnership 178 xv If You Cant Beat Em, Join Em 194 Epilogue 198 Appendices A Drovers Contract 202 Stock Routes Report 206 Voices from the Past 209 Acknowledgements 214