This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real places are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places and events are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events, places or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Front Cover: “Hands of the Prisoner” © BortN66 – supplied by Fotolia

This book is dedicated to my family – past, present and future. Patrick founded a family line in Australia from which successive generations have benefited greatly. I hope he can forgive me for any liberties I have taken with his story. My present family is the fundamental source of my happiness. Denise (my Catherine) and I have been blessed with wonderful children, grandchildren and extended family that provide us with enormous joy. My hope is that future generations of our family will also find equivalent happiness in their lives journey.