LIFE IN THE HOUR OF DEATH. 343 



want of sustenance; and I was no longer sensible of any 

 other effect than the delightful delirium which absorbed 

 my mind. The graceful images which had formerly 

 visited me came anew to hover about my solitary couch ; 

 I saw the clouds open, revealing the heads of angels, who 

 looked upon me smilingly. They waved their wings, 

 and seemed to invite me to join them. I half raised 

 myself to stretch my hands towards them. At the same 

 moment a sunbeam darted through the thick foliage of 

 the tree which sheltered me; the light fell full on my 

 face, and forced me to draw a little further back. I 

 opened my eyes before the shining visitant, and looked 

 above. 



Immediately over my head, and not more than five or 

 six feet distant, I perceived an enormous squirrel half 

 concealed among the branches. At the sight, all my 

 resignation vanished ; the sense of reality returned ; and 

 with it the unconquerable love of life. I thought this 

 creature might save me, and no longer doubted the possi- 

 bility of reaching Bexar, if I contrived to kill it, and 

 supply myself with a meal. For a minute or two I lay 

 thinking how I could best secure my prey; my resolve 

 was soon taken. I had my rifle beside me, and must 

 make use of it : but had I the strength ? I attempted it, 

 and, extraordinary to relate, though but a moment before 

 too weak to move one of my fingers, I contrived to seize 

 my gun with a tolerably strong grasp, to raise it and take 

 aim at the animal, without making a single movement to 

 alarm him. 



I let go the trigger ; a report ! and the squirrel, shot 

 dead, fell upon my chest. Immediately I drew my knife, 

 and cut up the animal into minute pieces, which I swal- 



