Chapter 9
Matt began his story. ‘In 1887, the richest bloke in Hills End was a man named Henry Abbott.’
‘Any relation?’ asked Sarah.
‘I’m afraid so. Abbott pretty much owned the town. He owned the richest farmland, the most valuable timber, the most profitable businesses – and he owned the goldmine. One day an earthquake caused the mine to flood. Underground streams run deep around here. Dozens drowned, but a young miner known as Adam McCleod rescued seven men, including Henry Abbott’s own son.’
A possum crept from a crevice above them and darted into the darkness, startling Sarah. She moved closer to Matt.
‘Even though Adam was badly hurt himself, he collected as many injured men as he could, hauled them into a mine car, and ran them through rockfalls and rising water to the main sha
