Summary

Two of Ebeneezer’s stable boys, James Birch and Frank Stevens, returned after being in California for a few years. They told stories about the untamed West and gold. They had started a stage line there and wanted Charlotte to come and drive for them. When they said that land there was cheap, Charlotte decided to go.

Ebeneezer was upset when Charlotte told him she was going out West. He tried to convince her not to go by saying there were no good roads and the horses were wild mustangs. He also tried to tell her that California was no place for someone like her. Charlotte explained that she planned to buy some land and start a ranch, so she could have a home of her own.

Ebeneezer knew there was no convincing Charlotte to stay. He told her that she reminded him of...