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

In October, when Mother Nature has given us a surprising break in the weather, there comes to Whiskey Slide a fellow name of Vern Keeler, who is unlike anybody in camp. He’s a gambler, making no secret of it, though we could tell right off, due to how he dresses. I’d seen card sharps back in Missouri, been warned away from them by other ranch hands, but indulged one time and lost all my pay. They dress well, usually sport a black frock coat, a fancy vest over a white shirt. Such is Keeler’s attire, which wakes up all the men. Keeler is also fine-looking, tall and slim with a wicked thin mustache and flashing dark eyes. When he removes his straight-brimmed, silver-banded black hat, he reveals a head of thick black hair. My privates take note at first glance.


Chapter 6