Eileen Hare-scott

A Chain of Events Eileen Hare-scott

A Chain of Events was written as either a stand alone book or as a sequel to From a Distance, which was suggested by a reader who wanted to read Philip's story. Set in Australia in 1912. When Philip Tanner is told he is to leave the Destitute Asylum in Sydney, he knows he is going out into a world of strangers. On the way to the farm to which he is to be apprenticed, the driver is caught in a storm causing the carriage to be stopped in mud. The driver, starts whipping the horse to go ahead. Philip tries to stop him but is beaten, falling from the carriage unconscious. When he regains consciousness he sees the horse still attached to the overturned carriage. Philip manages to release the horse and get them to higher ground moments before a flash flood sweeps the carriage away. Philip is found by Jacky-Jacky, an Elder of the local aboriginal community, who takes him there to rest. Jacky-Jacky brings Dr Arthur Brownlow, a white doctor respected by his people, and a deep bond develops with the boy. When Arthur sees the papers given to Philip before leaving the Asylum he is surprised to find it to be an adoption contract. How is it that Philip has been abandoned after being adopted? The Brownlows decide to foster Philip. Given a good education, when Philip develops a hate of racial prejudice he decides to study for the ministry. Jacky-Jacky plays an important part throughout Philip's life. Philip's calling takes him to where the people named in the adoption contract are living, and he is able to get to know them without them knowing the relationship.