Constable Tom Newman and his pregnant wife Allison arrive in the valley. Two cattlemen stop off at the Hudson farm to rest their animals. After the death of one of their cattle, a suspicious Hugo calls Matt out to the farm to inspect the animals—Hugo suspects the animals are stolen. Esme comes to the conclusion that her nemesis, Ivy Clements, has absconded with the proceeds from their lamington sale. An old man dies in hospital leaving behind a deaf, mute boy as the only clue to the his identity. Hugo becomes Matts new veterinary assistant.