Wogan. At the start of the collection, the narrative introduces readers to the arrival of the Baron de Wogan in San Francisco aboard a steamboat, accompanied by fellow adventurers enticed by the promise of gold. The bustling, chaotic environment of San Francisco in 1850, teeming with immigrants and driven by the fervor of gold-seeking, sets the stage for their exploits. As Wogan and his companions embark on their mining venture toward the gold placers, the text explores themes of hope, disappointment, and the wilderness's untamed nature, framing the protagonist's vision of a solitary, adventurous life amidst the challenges presented by both nature and the local indigenous population. (This is an automatically generated summary.)