As Jack and Praiseworthy step out onto San Francisco’s Long Wharf, they have their first sight of “the fastest growing city in the world” (84). There is a constant din of hammers, as buildings are thrown together right before their eyes; prices seem to be going up too. To get to the mines, Jack and Praiseworthy must first take a riverboat to Sacramento City, the fare for which is 25 dollars each—more than they have. Time is also at a premium: Since the journey between Boston and San Francisco is five months each way, they have only two months to get to the fields and make a fortune, if they hope to save Arabella’s house.

Leaving their hotel, Jack is alarmed to see a rugged stranger following them. Praiseworthy confronts the man, who turns out to be a miner named Quartz Jackson. He says he just came from the “diggin’s” and could use some grooming, as his fiancée, who’s never seen him in person, will be arriving soon. Back at the hotel, he noticed Jack’s neatly-trimmed hair, and wonders if the pair can direct him to a barber.

Praiseworthy admits to having cut Jack’s hair himself, but tells Quartz Jackson, “I’m not a barber, sir.