[Gutenberg 36396] • Ruth Fielding In the Saddle / College Girls in the Land of Gold

Ruth, Helen, and Jennie travel west to Arizona at the beginning of their summer vacation. A new film is to be shot at a mining camp, and Ruth is slated to write the scenario. Ruth plans to immerse herself in the atmosphere of Arizona and write the scenario as they await the film company's arrival. During the train ride, Ruth is surprised to discover that Edie Phelps is on the same train. Ruth wonders why Edie is traveling to Arizona.

Later, an accident causes the train to break into two parts, and a burned-out bridge causes Ruth's part of the train to be stranded. The delay costs Ruth's group quite a bit of time, and they reach Arizona long after Edie Phelps arrives. Ruth and her friends are shocked to learn that Edie met their friend, Ann, at the station and left with her and their guide. Ruth's group is forced to find a new guide. Ruth decides that Edie wanted to arrive at the mining camp before Ruth—but why?

At the mining camp, Ruth and her friends settle in and soon the film company arrives. Ruth becomes acquainted with a strange hermit who lives near the camp and continues to wonder about Edie. Soon, Ruth and her friends make an exciting discovery that sheds light on Edie's secret and causes a real gold rush.