Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1853-01-19
GbuitR IitFratart.
From the New-York Organ.
THE CREOLE WIZ E.
A ROMANCE OF THE WEST.
BY MRS. NJ. A. DENIsoN.


sunbrowned and with beard Of many
months growth, who would recognize in that
broad chest and Drowned visage the once
delicate and fashionable Herman Stanton.
Sir said lllsly, I'VE are benighted, as you
see, and oyertaken by the storm, presume
you will not object to giving us nights's
shelter
Say no more, friend, but come in ex-
claimed Herman, throwing wide open the
uncouth door ofhis hut; L have but rude
comforts and you are welcome to such as
can give throw your game in the corner
he continued, pointing to some fowl recently
shot, that laid on a huge chest by the side Of
the cabin.
Thankfully the shiyering band accepted
his invitation, and hastcned to disencumber
themselves Of their saturated garments. They
looked around them upon comfortable but
rough interior, in which was scant and orig
inal furniture such as the solitary bed fash.
ioned with his own hands, but more than all
they rejoiced in the great blazing fire that
cracked loudly and threw showers of sparks
upon its clayey hearth, or spit them as if IN
spite up the wide mouthed chimney. An
abundance of skins hung against the projec-
ting logs, and some were rolled up into
comfortable bed near the fire place.
And here for over six years had Herman
Stanton lived, completely misanthropic he
passed long days in roaming through the
forests; in hunting, cunning, and such like
sports holding converse with nature in her
widest moods. On long winter evenings,
stretched before a blazing fire Of split logs,
he studied and read his iayorte authors-he
had brought into these wilds a good store Of
books-ho could never do without them.
He seldom saw, he sometimes fanced he
never wished to see human face.
i canuot ask you to take chairs, gentle
men, but you see am provided in case OF
emergency aud with his foot he rolled one
after another nearly dozen smoothly hewn
logs, and ranged them round the blazing fire.
IF you are hunters you are no doubt accus-
toned to these ineouveuiences. will how
ever, in my way, serve you up a supper as
substantial perhaps, rs YOU would hnd ON a
city table de hOte."
In a few moments he had arranged on the
0aken stump in the centre of the room-hap-
PLY olhuge dimensions, some cold fowl ; and
preparing bed Of glowing Goals before the
fre laid upon them fresh venison steaks.
Never was finer looking set of men con
gregatcd around Eestal board, than thos
who partook that night Of this almost luxu
rant fare, to which they did full Justice
They chatted mcrriIy with their host, who
having been so long bebarred from society
felt keener enjoyment in their presence tina
he would acknowledge to himself
We are emigrants, sir said Courtney
the man with the fiery black eyes, in answC
to question put by Herman; we are seel
ing Western home what say you sir, Wi
you join us have no doubt by your i
eating yourself here that the place has ac
vantagcs which makes it desirable. How
bout that, friend what do you think of IL
situation, the facilities for building, and
forth
Herman spoke very slowly, and as if
gaiust his will, as he answered, Very goo
Judge there is fine water in the yicn
and timber in plcrty it is as good a 81
As any, | suppose
IIow long have you been here stranger
asked IlIsly, helping himself to huge sli
Of venison.
Somewhat over q year ) was the repI
And you are alone 4
Herman nodded and began to feel syr
toms of nervousness, he had heard before
Yankee inquisitveness.
From any of the Eastern States 2
i came from New York. said Herm
eYasively.
'Ah I! see, thought you did not 10
anlN 10 .l,l
from New York, for we can claim sort
cousinship.'
BE blamed if didn't take you for
English chap exclaimed Siloee Clarke
Tough-spoken but honest hearted man
'Glad You aint', for | call the Brilishel
blamed scaly set and | want doings v
poue Of EN-, in form, shape or manner
| thought you were English at first, :
Courtney smiling at the blunt speech of
companion 'and like Clarke, I'm rat
glad you arc not, for you know the lion
the eagle are sworn enemies at present
Herman felt his brow flush holly but
maintained silence, only nodding his hea
in approval or affirmation.
You are, then, intending to settle per
pepily q he at last found words to say
What is your idea in coming SO far
civilized haupts
'Oh, we are here from a spirit Of ad
ture, partly, aud partly because we are t
ofcity life, said Courtney. We all
means, courage and health, and having
ed Of this exploit for some half dozen y,
at length came to the determination 10
CRATE. This, my friend to the right is
lllsly, a carpenter by trade owns a |
ofhandsome Louses il New York, and
got money enough to lay by the rest o.
life; but you see is preaisposed to indr
its sort Of mania he has had sine,
childhood this, coupled with a rowing
position, hitherto restrained, has bro
him here. The rest Of us are not qui
smart, or we'll to do as they say b,
all know how to work, and, thank j
dence there isn't lawyer among us.
ha! han
Stanton joined heartily in the laugh