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

“Get some dry twigs for a fire,” he instructs.


I go about gathering these, and soon we’ve got a fire going, coffee on the boil. The meal is bacon and leftover biscuits with molasses, which is fine with me. I could eat this every day, and think maybe we will. I don’t expect Abel to talk as we eat. Instead, I listen to birds and wonder if we can scare up a rabbit or coon to eat, but I haven’t brought my gun. Abel has his rifle, though.


“You ever kill rabbits or some such for supper?” I ask.


“Now and again. Maybe go looking after this.”


I believe this is because he’s got that nugget, which is a good day’s take. “Can I come along?” I ask.


Chapter 14