It's a historical novel based on the goldrush folk ballad of the same name. In 1849 Betsy was 18, a minister's daughter, and pregnant. To escape the shame, she and her lover. Ike, join a wagon train bound for the California mining camp of Hangtown. Along the trail and in the rough-and-tumble camp, Betsy outgrows Ike and develops into a strong woman, capable of taking charge of her own destiny. Historical figures include Brigham Young, Joaquin Murrieta, and Bayard Taylor.