In 1849 the promise of gold brings many a man to California, but most find more hardship than riches.<br><br>Jesse Quinn, a golden-haired twenty-year-old is among them. He settles into the gold camp of Whiskey Slide to work with two other men in an effort that barely yields enough to keep them alive. With merchants charging exorbitant prices for provisions, it’s said men dig for food, not gold.<br><br>After hardship and disappointment, Jesse moves to another camp, Dutch Flat, where he takes up with the stern and silent Abel Munday. As the two work Abel’s claim with success, things take a positive turn for Jesse. Can Jesse bring some light into the darkness that’s plagued Abel much of his life? Together, they just might be able to fine something richer than gold.

Lust for Gold

“The diggings aren’t for the old,” returns Chet, and all agree. For a minute, I’ve no doubt we’re all thinking back on Bill Sims.


I’m liking Dieter a lot. When we first met not quite a month ago, I found him striking as he’s taller than me, maybe six foot, lean, and somewhat handsome. As I’ve been noticing men since boyhood, I allowed myself to indulge in impure thoughts toward him, though he never caught on. Might be good if he did. I’m not new to indulging with men. as I took that up once I left the farm and worked on a local ranch. There I discovered not only a love of horses, but of men, finding the latter as eager upon me as I was upon them. I’ve not indulged since coming here because I’m too tired most of the time. Survival has a way of shoving aside manly needs, but in quiet moments like now, I sit back and look at Dieter, who catches my eye and smiles. There seems to be promise between us.


Chapter 3