The year is 1850. Rumors of gold in California turn out to be true. In fact, there's more gold than anyone imagined. Thousands of people board ships or travel cross-country by wagon train, leaving their homes behind to head for the mines.

In New York City, young Marcus Gale, out-of-work bookkeeper, would like to join them, if only to escape from his gambling debts. Too bad he doesn't have money for a ticket--or a square meal, or a bed indoors.

He jumps at the chance for a berth as stoker on a sidewheel steamer headed for the gold fields, even though he's not sure what a stoker does. Fortunately, Marcus is a fast learner when it comes to shoveling coal and understanding steam engines. He finds it more difficult to understand people, especially the kind willing to risk everything to get to the gold. He wonders about Captain Cutter, who hates steam and lives in a state of paranoia, thinking people are plotting against him. He may be right.

And then, there's the beautiful Alouette Thorndyke, the wealthy heiress who Marcus thinks is an angel. Then again, what is she, really--angel or swindler?

GOLD

by Steve Bartholomew

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188 pages, 6" x 9",
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