The heroes of Jack London’s (1876—1916) books are always courageous, enduring, and tireless searchers of happiness. Young, vigorous Christopher Bellew, to his uncle’s opinion, wastes his life among San Francisco Bohemians. But through the youth’s veins there flows the blood of his grandfather, a staunch subjugator of the Wild West. That is why, having surmounted with great difficulties the Chilkoot Pass, yesterday’s town-dweller becomes a new man — now he is Smoke Bellew. During his first winter on the Klondike, keeping pace with old inhabitants, he takes part in the march for gold to Squaw Creek and competes with the best drivers of the dog teams. But which is most important, in this rigorous land he finds something more precious than all the gold deposits — true friendship and genuine love.