Gertrude Atherton 
Valiant Runaways 

Set in California, rebellious young Roldan Castanada is resignedly awaiting his call up to the army. A brave man, it isn’t fear which makes him angry about the situation but rather the beckoning grey drudgery of an enforced army life. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Roldan runs away and persuades his friend Adan to join him. Out in the wilds of California the two men encounter all kinds of dangers as they attempt to flee. A fascinating, beautifully descriptive tale from the famous author Gertrude Atherton. –