The Charles Reade Library

In which Susan Merton endures the agonies of love and betrayal, navigating the turbulent emotions stirred by deceptive tidings and the relentless advances of John Meadows, whose ardent passion and unscrupulous designs drive the plot towards a precarious union. Meanwhile, schemes unfold in secret, revealing the iron will and intricate machinations of men who maneuver power and fate with chilling re...

In which Susan's heart swells with pride and joy over George's success, yet her happiness is tinged by the cruel breath of scandal and the ache of silence, as persistent rumours and her own doubts cast a shadow over her faith. The tender narrative captures the gentle turmoil of hope, suspicion, and the weary weight of uncertain tidings settling upon a loyal spirit.

In which a nocturnal skirmish leaves Crawley wounded by a fishbone spear and unsettled by the suspicious disappearance of two fortunate diggers, leading him to pursue answers in the bustling city of Sydney. Meanwhile, the tides of fortune swell and ebb, revealing the capricious nature of speculation as men chase elusive puddings of gold, with old alliances and ambitions simmering in the background...

In which a malignant plot unfolds beneath the cover of darkness as conspirators stealthily douse a solitary tent with turpentine and kindle a devastating blaze, lighting the night with ominous flames and ferocity. Meanwhile, suspense mounts as a terrified onlooker, wracked with remorse and pursued by a vengeful savage, seeks refuge amidst the chaos, culminating in a moment of curious revelation.

In which two desperate men, inflamed by lust and hatred, conspire over a dark and cunning scheme to seize a heavy mass of gold, their conversation heavy with menace and uneasy spirits, while one recoils in horror at the fiendish plot unfolding. The night draws on with tension and ill-omened resolves, as they await the moon’s rise and the chance to strike, shadowed by doubts and trembling fears.

In which the somber duty of burying a fallen enemy is undertaken beneath a solemn gum-tree, and a mysterious letter from Mr. Levi urges swift departure from perilous goldfields, stirring plans and stratagems among the miners. Meanwhile, vigilant allies track a lurking adversary, schemes are exchanged with affectionate foresight, and a tender hope is planted for the future welfare of a faithful fri...

In which a party journeying through the bush stumbles upon the grim discovery of a dead man, identified as the notorious Captain Black Will, whose body bears the marks of nature rather than violence. The men speculate on the cause of his demise, reflecting on the mysteries of fate and the ironies of life and death in the wilderness.

In which the restless minds of brutus and Peter Crawley are weighed down by suspicion and dread amidst the gold mine’s shadowy intrigues, revealing the corrosion of character beneath the lust for wealth. Meanwhile, Crawley’s descent into drink summons grim spectres that haunt his haunted conscience with the grim portents of justice and damnation.

In which two stranded gentlemen, armed with little more than their wits and a guiding Southern Cross, struggle through an unforgiving Australian wilderness and encounter a steadfast native guide whose knowledge and customs provide both sustenance and sanctuary. Their arduous journey leads them to a wondrous discovery amidst ancient earth and whispered histories, revealing treasures that kindle hop...

In which two men, beleaguered and pursued, find refuge beneath the boughs of an ancient tree as a sudden Australian snowstorm blankets the earth and fills the forest with ominous crackling sounds. Amidst the wintry solitude and the weight of danger, they renew their vigour with sustenance and hope, guided at dawn by the steadfast gleam of the Southern Cross.

In which a fierce snowstorm drives Jem and Jacky indoors, only for a distraught Mary McDogherty to arrive bearing grievous news of their missing captain, prompting a solemn and determined expedition into the wild woods. With Kalingalunga's war-paint donned and a hunter's keen senses guiding them, they pursue elusive tracks amid harsh elements, capturing the tense mood and resolute spirit of men co...

In which the venerable Mr. Levi, moved by a deep and tender concern, entrusts a letter to Jem, beseeching him to deliver it to George Fielding upon his return, and prepares to depart the camp under a cloud of unspoken distress. Amidst this departure, a thoughtful reflection on prejudice and loyalty arises, colouring the interactions with a poignant, if taciturn, melancholy.

In which Robinson and Jem discover a grim clue pointing to the presence of a dangerous enemy lurking nearby, prompting a tense and cautious pursuit through a treacherous bushland labyrinth. As they track their pursuer in the gathering darkness and an ominous storm approaches, the gravity of their peril becomes unmistakably clear.

In which a wild and turbulent mining camp assembles to enact a rough justice upon a suspected scoundrel, leading to a chaotic and dangerous trial that threatens to overwhelm reason with mob fury. The ensuing scenes reveal the complexities of human nature and lawlessness, as well as a stirring defence of order and mercy amidst the turbulent passions of the crowd.

In which the restless night on the goldfield camp gives way to a dawn rich with the chatter and colourful melodies of native birds, awakening a bustling scene of eager diggers and shrewd traders. Amidst this lively awakening, the peculiar disputes and unexpected discoveries of the miners unfold with a blend of earnest judgment and rustic humour, revealing the peculiar manners and trials of the dig...

In which two resolute companions find solace in the simple, transcendent song of a lark amid a harsh and perilous encampment, only to be shadowed by a grievous attack on their faithful dog Carlo, whose devotion and passing leave a profound mark upon their spirits. Meanwhile, the uneasy quiet of the goldfields is punctuated by watchful sentinels and the furtive approach of sinister intruders, as ni...

In which a party of friends, tempted by the charms of a rare Sabbath stroll in the southern climes, ventures to a homestead where an exile bird’s song conjures the tender memories of English fields and vanished youth. Amongst rough men softened by the bird’s melody, the haunting strains evoke home and innocence, revealing the abiding power of simple beauty to touch even the hardest hearts.

In which the vigilant Captain Robinson, aided by his sagacious dog Carlo, foils a desperate attempt to pilfer his tent’s treasure, revealing a hidden vein of gold that sparks hope and camaraderie among the struggling miners. As he marshals the outcasts into a cooperative venture and rouses the camp to demand law and order, a menacing shadow of vengeance looms over the newfound prosperity.

In which a dangerous plot against Captain Robinson’s precious gold unfolds amidst the lawless diggings, as rogues and old enemies conspire under the influence of drink and guile, while vigilant guards and stern orders seek to fend off the looming threat. Meanwhile, the practical necessities of sheep-shearing and community alliances introduce new characters and alliances, intermixed with reflection...

In which two comrades, robbed and despondent but undeterred, seek a secret spring of fortune in a hidden gully, striving to outwit the eager crowds drawn by the lure of gold. Their endeavour leads to uneasy alliances and resolves as harsh as the lawless diggings themselves, where theft and violence shadow every gleam of hope.

In which two industrious diggers, amid the sandy expanse and with hopeful perseverance, uncover a promising vein of gold that attracts both envious onlookers and furtive schemers; their discovery stirs a quiet tension, hinting at the jealous passions and dangers lurking beneath the glittering surface. Meanwhile, camaraderie and cautious investment mark their brief respite, as small victories kindl...

In which the feverish lure of gold transforms a remote colony into a theatre of human passion, labour, and transformation, unraveling social distinctions and igniting a singular historical moment. A reflective and eloquent meditation accompanies these wild events, acknowledging the grandeur of the age and the narrator’s humble place within its unfolding epic.

In which a shrewd man of humble origin secures an Australian land purchase and deftly orchestrates a scheme involving feigned gold discovery to outwit rivals and secure a handsome fortune, all conducted with careful precision and commanding control over his associate. Amidst these calculations, he reveals a heartfelt attachment that intertwines personal passion with his strategic manoeuvres, setti...

In which the steadfast Mr. Meadows wrestles with a puzzling ruinous scheme against old Mr. Merton, caught between loyalty and suspicion, while revealing a rare glimpse into the more secretive workings of his mind through his dialogue with the faithful Crawley. The episode concludes with Meadows receiving a joyful letter from Australia that stirs a tempest of resolve, propelling him into secretive...

In which Mr. Meadows returns from Shropshire with a heart torn between love and prudence, soon becoming entwined in the fortunes and misfortunes of the Merton family, particularly through the secret and illicit perusal of letters meant for another. Thus begins a subtle and painful conquest of hope and desire, as he masks turbulent passions with patience and outward respect, weaving a delicate web...