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

Any other men having struck gold such as we have would be down in Colfax or even in San Francisco spending money on cards, liquor, and fine eats. Living in some fancy hotel, wearing new clothes. Here we are, rich as far as I’m concerned, and we still do hard labor. I have to be content with knowing one day the gold will bring us something good.


“You got a pistol, right?” asks Abel one day.


“Clean it and have it ready just in case.”


I do as told, not needing details of the “just in case.” Next time we head down to the store, I strap on my holster and pistol. I don’t like the idea of gunplay, but I like dying less, so I’m armed when we reach Dutch Flat. Abel carries his rifle like usual, it being near a part of him. We don’t see Tyner and his cohorts, and on our walk back to the cabin, I tell Abel I think they’ve moved on.


My step had gained lightness with thinking the three men gone, but that’s now done in by Abel’s comment.


Chapter 22