LIFE i\ TIN: noru OF DKATII. 343 



want i)i' sustenance; and I was no longer sensible of any 

 other (-licet than the delightful delirium which absorbed 

 my mind. Tin- graceful images which had formerly 

 \isited me came anew to hover about my solitary conch ; 

 J 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- 



