build our home, and perform our labors of life. Hard indeed shall I
find it, to take my soul away from all I love in Cloverdale: hard to
leave father and mother, and all my young friends; but it is best I
should go. Return in a fortnight, and I will be ready. God help me to
be a man, and make my life an honor and a joy. If I _could_ get a home
that father and mother would like better than their little one here,
would we not be happy?"

Such, my dear reader, was the beginning of a manner of life which it is
the design of this volume to unfold. Such a conversation occurred at
Major Fabens' many years ago. Major Fabens and his wife were very fine
old people, who lived at Cloverdale, on the banks of the Hudson River.
Matthew was their only surviving child; the solace and stay of their
aged years; and Uncle Walter was a neighbor, who had been out to that
beautiful region of western New York, called the Lake Country; taken up
a tract of wild land; made a clearing; built a rude home; and returned,
saying many a good, frank thing, to induce others to "pull up stakes,"
and follow him.

On the evening with which our story begins, a long conversation had
been enjoyed at Major Fabens'; much had been said of the western
country, in description of its climate and soil, its lakes and forests;
and young Fabens listened in a spell of delight, more and more
convinced that there was the land for his future home. He resolved
upon going to the Lake Country. He hastened the preparation for his
departure. His clothes were put in readiness; he passed around the
neighborhood on all his farewell visits; and the morning of his exit
smiled kindly and glad, as if to welcome him on his way.

It was a morning in August. Recent rains had refreshed all the woods
and fields; recent thunders had cleared the air and sweetened the
morning breeze; the pure sky spread like a curtain of clear blue satin
to the sight; and all nature was afloat with those lofty and tender
influences which soften the feelings, and induce meditation. A fit
season for the scene that ensued at the Major's, when numbers gathered
in sadness there, to take leave of their favorite. The sensations of
the company can be fancied by those only who have joined in similar
scenes, and shared their affecting interests. Kindest words had been
exchanged, and a full flow of love was indulged through an hour
prolonged, when it came for the father to speak, and give the farewell
c