Travellers — Rex Hunter

A 19th century steam launch emerges from the mist. Its occupants, Rufus, an American sailor and Oli, a dog, find themselves disturbingly united. Both died years before - and they can understand and speak with one another. Seeking the release of their souls, they travel back to Rufus' time in the 19th century, to Australia, and begin a journey of misadventure with a strangely bonded group of human and animal companions. Belligerent bullockies, bumbling bank robbers, rogue riverboat men, and other travelers cross their path, challenging Rufus' saddened view of life and leading, ultimately, to a test of will and a discovery of perennial truths.