Captain Bruff was the charismatic leader of a company of men who were marching west to the gold fields of California. He led with determination and authority, and he expected his men to conduct themselves as soldiers. But the trip was far more difficult than even they were prepared for, and strife among the members of the company disappointed Captain Bruff, who believed—too earnestly—in the goodness of his men. His unwavering faith in their loyalty to him was noble but misguided, and the journey did not end as he had planned.