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

Suddenly it occurs to me how wrong it all is. A man shouldn’t be able to get away with simply shooting another who did no more than reach for him. I’m on my feet now, headed down the trail, and more, back to the saloon.


There I find Dieter gone, the card game over, the crowd thinned, and Keeler standing at the bar.


“Keeler!” I call, causing him to turn. He says nothing. “You killed my friend for no reason and you should pay. He did no more than reach for you. He wouldn’t have done you harm. Men fight all the time and nobody shoots anybody. It’s just the way things are here.”


“It may be your way, sir, but it’s not mine. A man has every right to protect himself when threatened and your friend made a move on me. Besides, what can you do about it?”


A couple men, all having liked Dieter, have moved to stand with me. One carries a pistol, which I grab from his holster and point at Keeler.


“I mean to see justice done,” I tell him.


Chapter 7