112 Life of Audubon. 



soon after took a walk to survey the little village that 

 was to be laid under contribution for our support. Put- 

 ting my portfolio under my arm, and a few good creden- 

 tials in my pocket, I walked up the main street, looking 

 to the right and left, examining the different heads which 

 occurred, until I fixed my eyes on a gentleman in a store 

 who looked as if he might want a sketch. I begged him 

 CO allow me to sit down. This granted, I remained per- 

 fectly silent, and he soon asked me what was in that 

 * portfolio.' The words sounded well, and without wait- 

 ing another instant I opened it to his view. He was a 

 Hollander, who complimented me on the execution of the 

 drawings of birds and flowers in my portfolio. Showing 

 him a sketch of the best friend I have in the world at 

 present, I asked him if he would like one in the same 

 style of himself. He not only answered in the affirma- 

 tive, but assured me that he would exert himself in pro- 

 curing as many more customers as he could. I thanked 

 him, and returned to the ' Travellers' Rest ' with a hope 

 that to-morrow might prove propitious. Supper was 

 ready, and we began our meal. I was looked on as a 

 missionary priest, on account of my hair, which in those 

 days flowed loosely on my shoulders. I was asked to 

 say grace, which I did with a fervent spirit. Next morn- 

 ing I visited the merchant, and succeeded in making a 

 sketch of him that pleased him highly. While working 

 at him the room became crowded with the village aris- 

 tocracy. Some laughed, while others expressed their 

 wonder, but my work went on. My sitter invited me to 

 spend the evening with him, which I did, and joined him 

 in some music on the flute and violin. I returned to my 

 companion with great pleasure ; and you may judge how 

 much that pleasure was increased when I found that he 

 also had made two sketches. Having written a page or 

 two of our journals, we retired to rest. With our pockets 



