212 IN THE DAYS OF AUDUBON 



keeping store and tavern, and he, it seems, has made a for- 

 tune by painting a chickadee." 



The strange news spread through the forest towns 

 around the inn. The old people remembered the tattered 

 hunter, his long hair and broad forehead. 



The minister spoke of it in the lone church at the three 

 corners, and said: 



" ' Seest thou the man diligent in his business ? ' Where 

 shall he stand?" 



" i Before kings,' " said a forester. 



So was fulfilled the prophecy of the Knitter of Nantes, 

 who read in the boy the laws of life that compel success. 



