72 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



Audubon presented to her ; and hanging it with 

 barbaric pride around her brawny neck, she ex- 

 pressedy at the same time, how happy the pos- 

 session of the watch also would make her. 

 Meanwhile, Audubon, more intent on satisfying 

 his appetite than securing his ornaments, paid 

 little attention to her antics. 



In this deceptive ease he would have re- 

 mained, but for the extraordinary — and what to 

 him appeared unaccountable — movements of the 

 young Indian. Though seemingij- in the greatest 

 suffering, he rose from his seat, and, failing to 

 attract Audubon's especial attention by passing 

 and repassing before him, at length pinched 

 him violently. Audubon looked up, about to 

 exclaim in anger at the pain, but was checked 

 by a glance which sent a chill through his blood. 

 The Indian then seating himself drew a knife 

 from its scabbard, examined its edge, and again 

 taking its tomahawk and filling the pipe of it 

 with tobacco, from time to time, exchanged ex- 

 pressive looks with Audubon, when the back of 

 his hostess was turned. He now understood the 

 warning, and was well aware, that though ene- 

 mies encircled him, the Indian was none among 

 them. Under an impromptu pretence, he soon 

 walked out of the cabin. 



After priming his gun, he returned to the 

 hut, where, making a pallet of bear skins, and 



