Norah is counting off the weeks until she has to start school. Nine weeks to enjoy the summer holidays with her brother, Jim, and his school mate, Wally. Then a letter arrives from Sydney - cousin Cecil is coming to stay. Cecil, who fancies himself as a young man about town, finds nothing about Billabong or the country appealing and casts scorn on his cousins and their way of life. However, Christmas festivities, cricket matches and good company make up for the detestable Cecil until tragedy strikes. Why does Cecil take Norah's beloved pony, Bobs, for a ride without permission? And why does their father's horse, Monarch, arrive home riderless? Those nine weeks of summer have tragic consequences for Norah.
