HANK OF LOST NUGGET CREEK

Exciting historical times with the California gold rush provide the background for this first rate adventure of the westward trek. Hank, due to an accident, has been lost from the wagon train which carried his parents away. He is discovered by advance scouts from another train, falls heir to a horse and gun when one of them is killed, is captured by outlaws and forced into their ranks as part of a holdup. Again he escapes and meets up with an old prospector and stakes out his own claim. Eventually of course, he regains his lost memory, finds his family, and with never a dull moment, comes to a happy conclusion. As you read it isn't as pat as this sounds- for it is well written, with good characterization, fast pace, and authentic background.