VICTOR, THE SON OF AUDUBON 67 



looed at such a rate that an answer was speedily obtained. 

 The next moment a flaming pine torch crossed the gloom, 

 and advanced to the spot where we stood. The negro boy 

 who bore it, without waiting to question us, enjoined us to 

 follow the fence, and said that master had sent him to show 

 the strangers to the house. AVe proceeded, much relieved, 

 and soon reached the gate of a little yard, in which a small 

 cabin was perceived. 



" A tall, fine-looking young man stood in the open door, 

 and desired us to get out of the cart and walk in. We did 

 so, when the following conversation took place: 



" ' A bad night this, strangers. How came you to be 

 along the fence? You certainly must have lost your way, 

 for there is no public road within twenty miles.' 



" i Ay/ answered Mr. Flint, i sure enough we lost our 

 way. But, thank God! we have got to a house; and thank 

 you for your reception.' 



" ' Reception ! ' replied the woodsman. i No very great 

 thing, after all. You are all here safe, and that's enough. 

 — Eliza,' turning to his wife, ■ see about some victuals for 

 the strangers. — And you, Jupiter,' addressing the negro 

 lad, ' bring some wood and mend the fire. — Eliza, call the 

 boys up, and treat the strangers the best way you can. — 

 Come, gentlemen, pull off your wet clothes, and draw to 

 the fire. — Eliza, bring some socks and a shirt or two.' 



" For my part, kind reader, knowing my countrymen 

 as I do, I was not much struck at all this; but my son, who 



