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

“Doesn’t look to be going good,” I offer.


“Gold played out,” says another. “We’ve about give up.”


At their makeshift store, I buy two cans of peaches, one to eat now, one tomorrow. I then leave this sorry spot, keeping on upriver, hoping for better.


When night comes, I spread my bedding under a tree, lay down, and roll it over me so I’m no more than a log on the ground. I sleep well, likely due to the walking but also, I’d venture, due to being on my own.


Next morning, I wake to a squirrel studying this new log in his neighborhood. He’s got a nut in hand, but has stopped eating when he sees movement in the log. He scampers off, leaving behind his breakfast.


“Sorry,” I tell him and laugh, catching myself with shame at such levity in the face of Dieter’s loss. Being alive as I am, I’ve no right to laugh at anything.


Chapter 10