A Millionaire of Rough-and-Ready

"A Millionaire of Rough-and-Ready" by Bret Harte is a story that transports readers to the California gold rush, where Alvin Mulrady, an ordinary gardener, unearths a life-altering fortune in a mining shaft. Initially overwhelmed by his incredible luck, Mulrady finds himself wrestling with the implications of sudden wealth and the heavy responsibilities it brings. As he grapples with this newfound reality, the reader is introduced to his neighbor, Masters, a man who eagerly departs from the miner's life, highlighting Mulrady's growing concerns about how his newfound wealth will impact his relationships, especially his family; he anxiously considers reuniting with his wife and children. The narrative captures a man's inner turmoil as he balances the excitement of his discovery with the weight of societal expectations and personal desires, paving the way for his journey of self-discovery amid the transformative power of gold.