Doc Carlile returns in this tale of the old American west. Recent gold strikes in the South Pass, Wyoming area have come to his attention, and he just can't resist trying his hand at mining. The good doctor subsequently stumbles upon an ancient mystery inside an underground passageway, which also yeilds potential for untold riches. Still, mining gold is just plain hard work, and South Pass has yet togrow up and acquiire the trappings of civilization. But even in the mountains of Wyoming, Carlile can't seem to shake the ghosts from his storied past, not to mention those involved in his new venture. As if just surviving in the wilderness isn't hard enough. He must garner assistance from friends, both old and new to fend off trouble from the area Native Americans, ex-confederates-turned-outlaws, duplicittious women, a sociopathic foreign adventurer and everyone else determined toseparate him from his money. Doc Carlile will need every skill at his disposal to escaape retribution and emerge victorious from this enterprise.