Jonathan Lewellyn, 12, and his sister Madie, 10, arrive in San Francisco during the gold rush and, with their mother dead from a fever in Panama, the task before the children is to find their father and his claim south of San Jose. In the city their father's map and letter disappear but they meet a friendly clergyman and his large family, the Bones, who help Jonathan and Madie get started. On their try alone again, their trail is an adventure laden one, with thefts, rescues and new beginnings. Though their father's claim has been partially gouged by the time they find him, there is a more than happy reunion with the Bones who have come to settle in the district and enough gold for the Lewellyns to make a solid start in farming and ranching.