A novel Speculation. 117 



I did until the whole room came down in thunders of 

 applause, in clapping of hands and shouting, which put 

 an end to my first lesson and to an amusing comedy 

 Lessons in fencing followed to the young gentlemen, and 

 I went to bed extremely fatigued. 



" The dancing speculation fetched two thousand dol- 

 lars ; and with this capital and my wife's savings I was 

 now able to foresee a successful issue to my great ornitho- 

 logical work." 



The remainder of Audubon's residence at Bayou Sara 

 was taken up with preparations for his intended voyage 

 to England, where he expected to find the fame given 

 to all heroes so tardily in their own countries. 



