In 1860, sixteen-year-old Tom Wade leaves England for the American Far West to improve his family fortunes. Arriving at the small western outpost of Denver, Colorado to mine for gold, he soon encounters Native American warriors, takes part in big-game hunts, and learns how to survive a frigid mountain winter with nothing but resourcefulness and perseverance. A grand adventure classic that weaves the story of a fictional hero together with real-life episodes of exploration..