
A striking portrait of early‑twentieth‑century California unfolds as a young woman from the East Coast finds herself thrust into the stark, moon‑lit wilderness of a mining town. The cold night, the rattling surrey, and the silent, star‑strewn sky set a mood of both isolation and anticipation, while the bustling saloon at Rocky Bar hints at a world far removed from the genteel life she’s known.
Accompanying her is a gruff, seasoned guide who speaks of a “Bonanza King” and the hidden fortunes his family once guarded. Their conversation, tinged with mystery and quiet tension, suggests that the journey will uncover long‑forgotten rivalries and secrets buried beneath the rugged landscape. As the caravan rolls into town, the clash of wealth, ambition, and the unforgiving frontier promises a compelling exploration of identity and destiny, inviting listeners to follow the first steps of a tale where old money meets new frontiers.
Language
en
Duration
~10 hours (628K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Original publisher
United States: The Bobbs-Merrill Company, 1906.
Credits
D A Alexander, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2022-02-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1870–1930
A sharp-eyed American novelist and short story writer, she turned life in Western mining camps and turn-of-the-century California into vivid popular fiction. Her work often blends social observation, regional color, and a strong feel for character.
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