The Furnace of Gold

"The Furnace of Gold" by Philip Verrill Mighels is an adventure story set in the Nevada wilderness of the early 1900s. It tells the story of Beth Kent, a young woman leaving New York to see her sick half-brother, Glenville, facing unforeseen turns when her trip is upended by the brash horseman named Van. Beth, along with her fiancé Searle Bostwick and her maid, Elsa, find themselves stranded when their car breaks down and they meet Van, a true symbol of the untamed West. When Van challenges Bostwick, Beth's fiancé leaves her, and she is unexpectedly put in Van’s care. The story's dramatic start sets the stage for exciting events, mysteries, and complex relationships as Beth and the others navigate perilous journeys and emotional struggles in the rugged American West.