The Bell-Ringer of Angel's, and Other Stories

In this collection the first tale settles on a quiet bend of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River, where moss‑draped rocks and soft alders frame a secluded promontory. Alexander McGee, known as the Bell‑ringer of Angel’s, has built a modest cabin there with his wife, living a rhythm dictated by the river’s gentle flow and the occasional crack of his target‑shooting bell. Their simple, almost pastoral existence is painted with vivid detail, inviting the listener to feel the cool water and the rustle of cotton‑woods.

The peace is soon disturbed when the Wayne brothers, prospectors with a knack for diverting the river, uncover a gold‑rich bar that promises wealth to the fledgling settlement. Their engineering reshapes the current, tinging the once‑clear water with a yellow sheen and drawing newcomers to the once‑isolated spot. As the landscape shifts, the story gently probes the clash between untouched nature and the relentless drive of ambition, setting the tone for the varied narratives that follow.