Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

CHAPTER XIII.
Alonzo goes to the wilds of the West-Sojourns with a bermit-
Leun.s his history-Profits by his advice and conversations.
PRIOR to the events we have just related, Alonzo
Carleton had left the Queen city for the far West.
His chief motives were, to get rid of his dissipated
associates, and to place himself beyond the reach of
the temptations to intemperate habits, that constantly
surrounded him in the city. Having made up his
mind to reform, yet conscious of his weakness, and
liability to be led astray by his drunken companions,
he felt that there was security alone, in taking his
remove to a strange land. Plainly equipped, and
mounted on an elegant horse, he bade adieu to the
endearments of home, as well as the vices of city-life;
and turning his face westward, set out for the region
of prairies, buffaloes and Indians .
• •
Away beyond the wide Mississippi, a lone and
weary traveler, after many days' journeying, Alonzo
chanced upon the sequestered, picturesque and romantic
spot of Wildwood-vale-so named by its solitary
inhabitant, Norwood, the hermit. There in the
evening of life, had an old man, weary of the world,
Boughtquietude and repose for his remaining days.
(158)