Who is Jason Hawthorn? Why and how does Jason become involved in the quest to make his fortune by panning gold in the Yukon? What difficulties must Jason overcome on his trip from New York to Seattle? What does Jason find when he reaches Seattle? Why is it impossible for Jason to stay mad at Abe and Ethan? Explain.

Compare and contrast the three Hawthorn brothers: Abe, twenty-three; Ethan: twenty; and Jason, sixteen. Who is the most level-headed? The most practical? Has the most common sense? What are the relationships between the brothers? Why is it surprising to Abe and Ethan when Jason cries at their reunion? Are the brothers loyal to each other?

Jason carries a great deal of grief over the death of his parents. Discuss this grief. Does Jason mourn one of the parents more than the other? When did they...