Read the paragraphs. Randall knew every resident of the town, so he was taken aback when an unfamiliar face darkened the doorway of the general store. The stranger stepped inside, and the smile he offered was genuine. Randall noted that he grinned a bit more cheerfully than those who usually came in seeking feed or flour. “What can I do for you, sir?” he asked.

The man explained that he wanted for nothing but a bed; he said that he needed a good night’s rest before continuing on his way. He told Randall he was heading west to find his fortune in the bounty of the California hills. Though this was the first Randall had heard of such nonsense, it would not be the last. He directed the stranger two doors down to the inn, offering a stern reminder that the stranger would have to pay real money for a night’s stay. The stranger laughed and said he had enough to last him until he reached the golden coast.

What historical reality about the California Gold Rush is represented in this fictional paragraph?

the optimism of those who participated
the politics taking place during this time
the cruelty present in frontier towns
the extreme poverty of frontier towns