In 1831 Sydney, New South Wales, Charles Adare arrives with his uncle, the new governor. Charles hopes to make his fortune. He is befriended by Samson Flusky, a prosperous businessman who is a former transported convict. Sam's wife, Lady Henrietta, was a friend of Charles' sister in Ireland. Sam hopes that Charles will cheer up his wife, who is an alcoholic. Meanwhile the housekeeper, Milly, secretly loves Sam, and encourages Henrietta's drinking. Sam was transported after he confessed to a killing actually committed by Henrietta, who followed Sam and waited for his release. The novel formed the basis for a 1949 Alfred Hitchcock film.