Bret Harte's novel, 'On the Frontier', is a tale set in the rugged terrain of California in 1838. The monotonous coast between Monterey and San Diego seems unchanging, and the Pacific Ocean is only a metallic glitter. But soon, a wall of vapor descends, obliterating all distance, space, character, and locality. A crew of seamen gets lost in the fog, searching for their boat and crewmates. As the night drags on, their sense of reality is challenged by the darkness and strange sounds. Will they survive and find their way back to civilization? 'On the Frontier' is a novel that grapples with themes of survival, mystery, and danger in the wild and unforgiving American West.