Convict Elizabeth Quinn awakes up screaming having suffered with a nightmare. After she leaves her beloved Tommy Barrett's bunk, Private Buckley the most loathed soldier, catches her. A scuffle follows and Elizabeth is dragged before her social superiors and Elizabeth ends up being sentenced to 25 lashes.

Freeman must tackle bully Marston, who is persisting in stealing his food. Drastic action is required.

Reverend Johnson leads the community in prayer on a hot beach as they bury another poor soul who has succumbed to the hardships of life. After shouting is heard from out at sea, some marines are gesturing that their fishing nets have been slashed. Elizabeth and Tommy marriage is later blessed by Reverend Johnson in the partially built church.

James Freeman has disappeared into the thick bush and nobody has ever been known to survive there and Sergeant Timmins decides following him is stupid and way too dangerous. Major Ross questions Timmins about the escapee and he is economical with what he tells him. Reverend Johnson challenges Major Ross about the upset his sexual demands are causing Kitty.

Historical drama set in an Australian penal colony. To everyone's amazement Freeman is alive, and Major Ross is deeply affected by a personal loss.

After the truth about Private Buckley's accusations about Elizabeth Barrett begin to sink in, Tommy Barrett is furious and he batters him to within an inch of his life. James Freeman and Elizabeth's attempt to stop him but Tommy does a thorough job. Major Ross feels there can be no exceptions or reprieves and Tommy Barrett must be made an example of and hung.

James Freeman has to deal with most difficult decision of his life. The prisoners are now far outnumbering the soldiers and there is a showdown.