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

“I thought a lot on my trip,” he says as he pets me. “Thought about you and all you bring me. I never had this before, never a man I could trust and care for.” He runs a hand into my hair. “All kinds of gold.” He kisses me, rolls me over, and mounts me, issuing grunts and groans as he takes his pleasure.


Abel is good at making supplies last. Though the eggs go quick. We cut back on drinking so much coffee, determined to make the big sack last till spring. By the time we run low, the snow has gone, with everything warming. Dutch Flat comes alive as men return and new ones come in. Those who seek to get rich quick are never in short supply.


As planned, we move the rocker box upstream about a quarter mile. Again Abel manages to make the creek do the work of the third man. How good it feels to dig in fresh earth. I almost hate to scar the creekside as it’s pretty up there, but gold wins over pretty every time.


Chapter 20