The valley of Arcana

"The Valley of Arcana" by Arthur Preston Hankins is a story set in the early 1900's. Two hunters, Dr. Inman Shonto and Andy Jerome, become disoriented in the Northern California woods when they stumble upon a secluded cabin occupied by Charmian Reemy, a captivating young woman celebrating her birthday. She welcomes them with supper, leading to a discussion where Dr. Shonto, a specialist in glands, finds himself drawn to Charmian’s energetic character and unconventional views. Their conversation sparks romantic tension, especially when discussing the unexplored Valley of Arcana and its valuable opal claims, creating an eagerness for discovery and adventure that dictates the characters’ fates as they seek out this hidden valley.