Joe and Mary return to the Government Well camp to find it completely burned out. Joe picks through the ruins and finds a rabbit trap, a wine bottle, and a bicycle that all belonged to members of his family. Their entire home has been destroyed. It was obvious that no one ever intended for them to return to the settlement. 

Joe and Mary are walking through Northam when Sergeant Carrol sees them. He asks what they’re doing there. Joe wants to know why the camp was burned. Carrol says that he was just following orders, adding that they are not allowed in town. At this point, there is no reason for them to be in Northam. Since the natives moved, it is no longer a ration depot. Joe says that they weren’t moved, they were kicked out. Carrol gives them a warning not to camp anywhere, including Government Well. 

Sergeant Carrol enters the Northam Police Station and makes a phone call to the Protector of Aborigines office in Perth. Mr. Neville answers the phone on the other end. Carrol tells him that he has seen Joe and Mary in Northam, but makes it clear that they are not actually camping in town.