This is the second book in the series, and "The Pacific Series. and " It is about Tom Nelson's trek across the plains and his adventures in the California gold mines, and provides not only action and adventure, but insight into this exciting time in U.S. history.Excerpt: Or Tom Nelson Out West A Dozen men, provided with rockers, were busily engaged in gathering and washing dirt, mingled with gold-dust, in the banks of a small stream in California. It was in the early days, and this party was but one of hundreds who were scattered over the new Eldorado, seeking for the shining metal which throughout the civilized world exercises a sway potent and irresistible. I have said there were a dozen men, but this is a mistake. One of the party was a well-grown boy of sixteen, with a good-humored and even handsome face. He was something more than good-humored, however. There was an expression on his face which spoke of strength and resolution and patient endurance.