Wilderness

  Nathaniel King left New York City in 1828 to venture into the vast unexplored regions beyond Mississippi. He heads west, lured on by dreams of wealth based on his uncle's promise to share with him "the greatest treasure in the world". The story opens with bored accountant Nathaniel King receiving a letter from his Uncle Ezekiel. Ten years prior to this event, Uncle Zeke had vanished into the Rocky Mountains; becoming a pariah to his immediate family. The letter instructs Nate to meet him in St. Louis and to share with him a fabulous treasure. The tenderfoot makes plans to do just that, and after talking with his fiance, Adeline, regaling her with a tale that he will soon be able to afford her extravagant lifestyle, Nate strikes off for the great unknown. The tale is complete with plenty of action. After Nate meets with Zeke in St. Louis, and they begin their trip to the Rockies, each chapter is jammed with prose that moves at a breakneck pace. There are encounters with ...