Does anyone know what is meant by the word "sold" in these lines of this song, "Acres of Clams"?

I've wandered all over this country,
Prospecting and digging for gold.
I've tunnelled, hydraulicked, and cradled,
and I have been frequently sold.

My sister, Betty, the elementary music teacher, says this: "This is a song about a prospector that does not get rich prospecting for gold in Calif. and eventually ends up in Washington state.

Thanks,

katlaughing