The hermit of the forest : $b or, Wandering infants, a rural tale

"The Hermit of the Forest: Or, Wandering Infants, A Rural Tale" by Anonymous is a touching story set in the countryside during the early 1800s. After foreign armies destroy his life, a man named Honestus seeks peace in the woods as a hermit. The book explores themes of being alone, being strong, and how kids can be innocent, by showing the tough world outside versus the gentleness of family. Living alone with nature and animals, Honestus then finds two kids who were left behind, and he raises them with love, teaching good values. Later, we find out who the children really are, and they are brought back to their dad, Mr. Simpson, who had been searching for them. In a surprising turn, Honestus finds his own daughters that he lost a long time ago, making for a happy but sad ending as he goes back to living with people after being alone, showing how sadness can change you and how happy it is to find people again.