The recklessness of youth and the bravery of California Gold Rush dreams fueled the determination of Ethan Payne and his best friend Gil Stark to find wealth and glory out west. But somewhere on a journey that took them down the Missouri, across the Gulf of Mexico, and through the jungles of Panama, the two young men began to change. Ethan learned he had the heart of an outlaw. By the time they reached California, both had left their innocence and friendship behind-but they were destined to come face to face again.