This book is about two boys, Harry Vane and Jack Pendleton, American boys of sixteen. One had come to Australia as assistant to the professor Hemmenway, and had been accustomed to sing one or two popular songs at the magical entertainments which he gave, besides rendering himself generally useful. Jack Pendleton was a young sailor, who had resolved to try his fortune in the new country, either at the mines or in any other employment offering fair compensation, before resuming his profession. This book tells the danger and adventure they face while prospecting for gold in the Australian Outback.