George Starkweather's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

George Starkweather spread the old map across the saloon table. His thick fingers traced the faded ink lines. For twenty years, he'd searched for the Lost Angel Mine. Somewhere in the hills beyond Gritstown, a fortune in gold waited. He just needed one solid clue. The leather felt brittle under his touch. Someone had drawn each ridge and valley by hand. Three crosses marked spots where other prospectors had dug and failed. But George noticed something new this time—a small creek symbol with a star beside it. His pulse quickened. Stars meant gold. The map showed exactly where to look. He rolled up the leather and grabbed his mining pan from beneath the table. Tomorrow he'd head to that creek. He'd wash through every rock and pebble until he found what he needed. Gold traces would lead him straight to the mother lode. After two decades of empty holes and broken dreams, George finally had his answer. The Lost Angel Mine was real, and he was going to find it.