Annie finally persuades George to return home, but in doing so threatens to bring a dark secret back to the surface. As the money for the viaduct begins running out Charles delays paying the workers, prompting a strike.
With no funds forthcoming to pay the workers they go on strike. At Ralph's suggestion Charles gives them dockets to exchange for goods but Johnny explains that they are worthless. The only solution is for Johnny to claim his birth-right and release the much-needed funds, whilst keeping secret his former affair with Isabella and Annie's fondness for him goes some way towards his decision to resolve the crisis. Meanwhile Alma's head is turned by surveyor Rory McCleod.—don @ minifie-1