The Devil's Pearls

Michael O'Malley was just 24 when he arrived in St. Louis from New York. It was late Fall in the year of our Lord, 1849. Michael had emigrated from Ireland to "see the elephant" and to  travel to California for the Gold Rush. The Gold Rush was being shouted all over Europe as a way to realize untold riches. He was young, energetic and needing to spread his wings in this great place called America. Michael's eyes were full of wonderment and amazement as he viewed America.

Michael carried two bags, one of which was a small bag containing $1,500. The sum of money was given to him by his grandfather, Andrew O'Malley as an investment in the Gold Rush. The grandfather, a retired master mason in Ireland had worked all his life but had little to show for it. If Michael were to strike gold, he was to share the bounty with his grandfather and the O'Malley family. Michael's family, potato farmers were somewhat destitute having endured years of the famous Irish Potato Famine.

Michael talks with Ben the Trapper, recently back from California who gives advice. "Fools, all fools, Ben told Michael. Nevertheless, the young man sets out with a wagon train and encounters many perils including floods, marauding Indians, disease and death. His will is unbending as he travels with others during the Oregon - California trail.