A MEG MERRILIES OF THE FOREST. 71 



addressed him. He answered by raising liis head 

 and pointing with his linger to one of his eyes, 

 while with the other he gave a significant glance; 

 explanatory of the action. His face thus revealed, 

 though covered with blood, might be seen, never 

 theless, to be unmistakeably handsome, dis 

 figured as it was by the accident which, an hour 

 before, had impared for ever its singular beauty. 

 While discharging an arrow at a racoon in the 

 top of a tree, the shaft had split upon the cord, 

 and sprung back with such violence in his eye, 

 as utterly to destroy it. 



Audubon's attention was directed next to the 

 peculiarly comfortless and barren aspect of his 

 strange abode, without a single bed on which to 

 recruit his weary limbs ; some untanned bear 

 and buffalo skins were the only invitation to re- 

 pose. As he received no voluntary courtesy 

 from his hostess, he was anxious to let her know 

 of the hunger of which he was so painfully sen- 

 sible himself, and, to propitiate her, drew forth a 

 rich watch from his vest. This told, apparently, 

 with electric force upon her feelings ; for he 

 was instantly informed of the existence of cakes, 

 venison, and other dainties, from which to make 

 an excellent repast. Bat, first, he was com- 

 pelled again to gratify her curiosity by another 

 sight of the watch which she beheld in wonder. 

 She received with ecstasy the gold chain, which 



