"Ruth Fielding In the Saddle; Or, College Girls in the Land of Gold" by Alice B. Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the character Ruth Fielding and her college friends, who embark on an adventurous trip to Arizona to participate in the filming of a movie based on the gold rush. Their journey promises excitement as they set out to explore the Hualapai Range while delving into the intricacies of their friendships and the challenges they face. At the start of the novel, Ruth and her friends are discussing their anticipation for the upcoming summer adventure, which involves horseback riding and film production. The group dynamic is lively, with moments of banter highlighting their camaraderie. As they prepare for their journey, an air of mystery arises when they realize that a fellow student, Edith Phelps, is eavesdropping on them. The plot thickens with the introduction of characters such as Min Peters, the daughter of their guide, adding depth to the unfolding adventure. The beginning sets up an intriguing backdrop filled with excitement and hints of rivalry, leaving readers eager to follow Ruth and her friends as they navigate both the physical challenges of their trip and the interpersonal dynamics of their group. (This is an automatically generated summary.)