CHAPTER V. 



AUDUBON — THE HUNTER-NATURALIST. 



The time had now come to mj developed and overflowing 

 passions when life must mate itself with destiny ; when tastes 

 and energies thus nourished in wild seclusion, should seek 

 their legitimate direction — should break away on their own 

 course to find their natural level ! 



And so they did, with a vengeance ! For had the uncon- 

 querable instinct been wanting in my nature, there was one 

 NAME that had so filled my life, that it alone would have 

 been sufficient to inspire me with a giant's strength, had such 

 been necessary, to burst all bonds and aAvay upon the same 

 free track ! 



87 



