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It's London in 1836 and 10-year-old George is caught with a goose drumstick in one pocket and a silver spoon in the other. His sister Hannah hears about her brother's fate when she is told by Mrs Dimple, the owner of the pub where she works, that he has been arrested.
George is sentenced to transportation to the colonies and is sent to the prison hulks to await his departure. He soon meets a forger, Will Nugent, who is busy creating a design on an old penny. He explains that it is a love token to be given to his wife so she has something to remember him by. As luck would have it, George's only possession is a penny given to him by Hannah when he was first imprisoned. George sets to work creating his own token for Hannah. He is able to pass it to her just prior to his departure.
Hannah continues to work for the Dimples for some years, keeping the penny with her at all times. She misses her brother terribly and is saddened when she learns that most convicts never return from the colonies. George, meanwhile, is sent to Point Puer in Van Diemen's Land where he vows to keep out of trouble and survive.
Eventually the Dimples decide to move to Van Diemen's Land themselves. They hope to make good in the new colony, where Mr Dimple's brother is a successful publican. Hannah begs to go to although she has had no word of her brother's fate. As she disembarks she is met by George, now a free young man. After an emotional reunion the two plan for their future together and say farewell to the convict stain from their past.
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