Work and Win No. 284: Fred Fearnot in the Gold Fields

Catalog Note *Work and Win*, No. 284 (May 13, 1904), contains the opening installment of "Exposing the Claim Salters" by Hal Standish, featuring protagonist Fred Fearnot. The story depicts Fred and his friend Terry responding to a letter from their associate Tom, who has contracted gold fever while operating a sheep ranch near Arizona. Tom reports rich gold deposits nearby and invites them to join him. Fred, having tired of Wall Street brokerage work, agrees to the venture. The narrative follows Fred's preparations, including his farewell to the Olcott family at their Fredonia home. His acquaintance Evelyn Olcott intuitively deduces his westward plans. The issue also includes extensive advertisements for the publisher's instructional pamphlet series, covering subjects including mesmerism, palmistry, sporting techniques, magic tricks, mechanical skills, and letter writing.