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

Abel, dressed for the day, is getting up the fire when he asks, “What’s that?”


“The song?” I smile. “It’s something I sing to myself, have since I was little. Ma called it ‘Frog and Rabbit.’ I think she maybe made it up.”


“That she did. She loved to sing. Hymns mostly, but other things, too.” When he offers no more, I ask, “Anyone ever sing to you?”


“No.” He then gets the coffee going.


I don’t know whether to prod or not because he’s not a man to be read. Best I keep my mouth shut, but I don’t because even his one-word reply is conversation. “Why’s that?”


I fear to continue, so I wash and dress. I’ve let my beard come in the past few days and note in the looking glass that it’s fine rather than coarse. I wonder if Abel takes note. I think of Dieter calling me his “golden boy.” Does Abel see that or am I just an employee he can use in more ways than one?


Chapter 15