[1][2] Three gold miners named Dave Regan, Jim Bently, and Andy Page are sinking a shaft at Stony Creek.
The trio own a young retriever dog named Tommy, described as "an overgrown pup... a big foolish, four-footed mate."
When Dave seeks refuge in the local pub, the dog bounds in after him, causing the Bushmen (people who live in the bush) inside to scatter.
John Barnes cites the story as being illustrative of Lawson's talent for humorous writing, calling it a "hilarious farce.
"[1] Barnes further remarks that, despite focusing on the actions of the dog, "Lawson raises the story above the level of stock farce by making what happens the result of Dave Regan's bright idea.