Section 1, Rain of Gold Summary

While searching for drinkable water, a man named Espirito finds a spring with very sweet water. In it are rocks that contain a great deal of gold. When he is offered all the food and clothing his people can use in return for more of the golden rocks, he discusses it with his people. They agree, but only on the condition that the only rocks that can be taken are those on the surface. No digging is to be allowed.

When the nuggets are depleted from the stream the area is sold. The new owner begins to dig into the wall of the canyon for more gold until he becomes rich, and then he decides to sell the mine to a large American mining company.

The mine is developed and continues to grow until it becomes unsafe...