He left Fort Pitt at once and went to his home, where he remained until his mother's death.

She had been the only tie that bound him to the old home, and now that she was gone he determined to leave the scene of his boyhood forever.
Alfred was the rightful heir to all of the property, but an unjust and selfish stepfather stood between him and any contentment he might have found there.

He decided he would be a soldier of fortune.
He loved the daring life of a ranger, and preferred to take his chances with the hardy settlers on the border rather than live the idle life of a gentleman farmer.

He declared his intention to his step-father, who ill-concealed his satisfaction at the turn affairs had taken.

Then Alfred packed his belongings, secured his mother's jewels, and with one sad, backward glance rode away from the stately old mansion.
It was Sunday morning and Clarke had been two days in Fort Henry.
From his little room in the block-house he surveyed the well-remembered scene.