It's 1864, and 12-year-old Jem Coulter knows that Goldtown, California, has seen the last of the gold rush. But the flecks of gold he, his sister Ellie, and an old prospector Strike find in their played-out claim on Cripple Creek spur their hopes of striking it rich.
When Pa becomes sheriff of the lawless gold camp, Goldtown, the kids fear his badge will become a target for outlaws. Then the creek dries up, and Strike disappears. What is going on? Jem determines to find out, and, in the process, discovers that the badge his father wears is really a badge of honor.
