Slocum mines for gold—and digs his own grave… Deep in the Sierra Madras, the last words of a dying man direct Slocum to a mystery woman and a promise of gold. Once found, Linda Mercado and her gaggle of soiled doves lead Slocum to dream of better days ahead—and sleepless nights… Slocum shows the harlots how to handle a real pistol to defend their claim against all comers—including a cave-dwelling maniac hot on their trail. But, as Slocum and his “petticoat army” near their prize, he’ll find that there are certain forces of nature that no man can resist…