A SURPRISED CLERK 7 



it all — it is I that caused him to be uncivil. It is all 

 right — all right." 



The legal party, headed by Judge Rush, awaited in 

 the office the return of the landlord. The latter came 

 into view on the stairs, followed by the stranger. 



Judge Rush bent over at the sight, saying, after the 

 old-time manner, with his hand on his breast: 



"Have I the honor?" 



Each of the fourteen or more lawmakers followed his 

 example, placing their hands on their breasts, and saying: 



"Have I the honor?" 



" Honorable gentlemen," said the landlord, " let me 

 present to you one who is making our country known to 

 the world as few men are or can, the naturalist who will 

 sit at the head of the table to-night — John James Au- 

 dubon! " 



Every one bowed respectfully. 



"Clerk!" shouted the landlord. 



But the " clerk " had disappeared. He was seen fly- 

 ing through the openings of the trail out of which the 

 stranger with the eagle's nest had appeared. He was not 

 prepared to serve at the table that evening, with John 

 James Audubon at the head and the judge next in order. 



It is a cabin tale, and I use it here to introduce the 

 reader to a very remarkable man to whom America owes 

 a debt of increasing gratitude. 



